Solihull Phoenix lift Premier League Title!

The Great British Premier League kicked off with a thrilling display of skill and sportsmanship, culminating in a stunning victory for Solihull Phoenix at St Neots IBC on Sunday.

Solihull Phoenix players celebrating their Premier League victory!

This inaugural event brought together some of the finest bowlers from across the country and beyond, creating a world-class field that tested every competitor. Solihull Phoenix’s triumph at this event showcases the talent pool at the club currently, as they continue to produce the best bowls on the National stage.

Setting the Stage for a Premier Competition

The Great British Premier League was designed to elevate the sport by bringing together top teams in a competitive league format. Unlike traditional tournaments, this league emphasized consistent performance across multiple matches, starting with 4 groups in a round robin format with the top 2 teams heading into the quarter finals. All matches from then on were knockouts requiring teams to maintain focus and adapt their strategies throughout the event to ensure victories in the shorter format.

Solihull Phoenix entered the competition as strong contenders but faced stiff opposition from seasoned teams with international experience. The league’s format of 2 sets of 5 ends (3 bowl pairs) and the possibility of a 1 end tiebreaker (2 bowl triples) demanded not only precision but also mental toughness, as every end could shift the momentum. Every player in the team had to play a minimum of 2 ends per set which meant players had to hit the ground running when coming into the game.

Solihull Phoenix’s Path to Victory

First up Colchester Centurions who won the first 2 ends of set 1 to go 4-0 up, but Phoenix hit back with a 4, 1 and 2 to win the set 7-4. Roles reversed in the second set with Phoenix winning the first end with a 1, but could not score again losing the set 1-9. All to play for in the tie-break but unfortunetly lost it 0-1.

Session 2 was a must win as Emily, Ben and Tom took on Torquay Ospreys. A comfortable victory put them back in the mix to qualify for the knockout stages 11-1, 8-2.

In the final group game the team knew a victory would see them into the last 8. Nottingham Knights stood in their way but the Phoenix got off to the best possible start winning the first set 15-1. The second set started well leading 5-2 after 3 ends, but the powerplay changed the game around. Nottingham picked up a 2 (with the powerplay doubling that to 4) to take the lead in the set 5-6. In the final end Emily drew into the front of the jack which was not disturbed, tying the set 6-6 and securing their place in the knockouts.

In the quarter finals they faced the Worthing Wombats who had won their group with 2 wins and 1 defeat. Phoenix won the first set 8-1 then picked up a 4 on the 4th end of the second set to win it 5-4, booking their place in the semi final.

Semi-final opponents Penrith Penguins had a trickier route through losing 2 group stage matches on a tie-break but winning enough points to qualify as runners up in their group. In a nip and tuck first set Phoenix were 2 up playing the last end and manged to restrict their opponents to 1 to win the set 4-3.

6-0 up in the second set looked like the final beckoned but a power-play 2 (doubled to 4) meant a nervy last end, but the team played a good end to pick up 1 and win the match 4-3, 7-4.

County Antrim Lions waited in the final, and we were treated to a fantastic game. If you want to watch whole match on youtube click this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxrRn9rBqvE

4-3 up playing the last end of the first set the Lions played their power-play, after a close end they picked up 1 (doubled to 2) to pinch the first set from the Phoenix 4-5.

A strong second set though meant it would go all the way to a tie-breaker. Solihull winning set two 6-2.

The Antrim lead drew close in front of the jack, only for their number 2 to clip the jack into the open again! This gave Tom the opening needed to deliver the winning bowl for the Phoenix, even though the Lions skip flicked the jack with his last it didn't travel far enough to deny our team the win!

Tom Holmes, Emily Kernick and Ben Harris with the winners plaques.

What This Victory Means for Solihull Phoenix and British Bowls

Winning the inaugural Great British Bowls Premier League places Solihull Phoenix in a prestigious position within the sport. Their victory:

• Raises the club’s profile nationally and internationally.

• Inspires upcoming players by demonstrating what can be achieved with dedication and teamwork.

  
  

For British bowls, the success of this event and the quality of competition signal a bright future. The Premier League format offers a fresh way to engage players and fans, potentially attracting new sponsors and media coverage.

Congratulations to Emily, Tom and Ben on your victory from everyone at Solihull IBC.