International Match at Bournville
In July 2001 the Birmingham Evening Mail newspaper, under the headline 'Testing Time for Bowls Club', reported:
"The nearest most bowls fans get to an international match is watching then on the television, but a Birmingham Club is to stage a contest between two of the world's top teams. Bournville Bowls Club is gearing up for the biggest event in its 71-year history - the arrival of England and New Zealand for a test match on Thursday 26 July. The organisers of the level green bowling competition bestowed the rare honour because they were so impressed with its ground off Mary Vale Road, in Bournville. The game is also keen to promote the sport outside the south of England, where international matches usually take place. The arrival of both the Men's and Women's international teams has left its 120 members bowled over. David Colley, Chairman of Bournville Men's team stated that the club were very honoured that their ground had been considered fit to host such a prestigious game and everyone was looking forward to it".
The picture above, from the Birmingham Evening Mail, shows (from left to right): Len Smith, Dave Howell, John Humphreys, David Colley, Dot Humphreys, Hersilla Tucker and Jean Moyle.
"The nearest most bowls fans get to an international match is watching then on the television, but a Birmingham Club is to stage a contest between two of the world's top teams. Bournville Bowls Club is gearing up for the biggest event in its 71-year history - the arrival of England and New Zealand for a test match on Thursday 26 July. The organisers of the level green bowling competition bestowed the rare honour because they were so impressed with its ground off Mary Vale Road, in Bournville. The game is also keen to promote the sport outside the south of England, where international matches usually take place. The arrival of both the Men's and Women's international teams has left its 120 members bowled over. David Colley, Chairman of Bournville Men's team stated that the club were very honoured that their ground had been considered fit to host such a prestigious game and everyone was looking forward to it".
The picture above, from the Birmingham Evening Mail, shows (from left to right): Len Smith, Dave Howell, John Humphreys, David Colley, Dot Humphreys, Hersilla Tucker and Jean Moyle.
Result
The Test Match result on Thursday 26 July 2001 was:
Men
Pairs: England 17 - 16 New Zealand
Fours: England 21 - 14 New Zealand
Singles: England 14 - 21 New Zealand
Ladies
Pairs: England 16 - 19 New Zealand
Fours: England 24 - 15 New Zealand
Singles: England 20 - 21 New Zealand
Men
Pairs: England 17 - 16 New Zealand
Fours: England 21 - 14 New Zealand
Singles: England 14 - 21 New Zealand
Ladies
Pairs: England 16 - 19 New Zealand
Fours: England 24 - 15 New Zealand
Singles: England 20 - 21 New Zealand
