It’s unusual in international selection to see two new caps selected together as a brand new front-end partnership, but the decision certainly paid off as the newcomers were stars of the show, combining brilliantly with Nicole Rogers and Katherine Rednall to take the accolade of ‘top rink’ and helping England become champions.
John Rednall talks to new caps, Morgan Merryweather and Izzie White who both made extremely impressive debuts for England at Lead and Two.
John: Well, Morgan, congratulations on a wonderful debut for women’s England team. It was a obviously a momentous honour for you personally to be selected. How did you feel when you got the call up?
Morgan: Seeing my name on the team sheet alongside such great English players was a real pinch-me moment. I felt immensely proud. It’s something I’ve worked hard for over the years.
John: We talk these days about international pathways, and the progressions from playing for club, county, international Under 18s, Under 25s and the full team. How was the pathway for you and at what age did you progress from stage to stage?
Morgan: I started bowling at my outdoor club (Island Bohemian B.C) when I was 12. I didn’t commit to the indoor until a few years later as I was still playing football and that took up a lot of my weekends during the winter. When I did start playing more at Whiteknights IBC in 2011 at the age of 15, I wasn’t initially as enthusiastic about the indoor game. However, over the years, I’ve grown to appreciate and love its precision. Berkshire has never had a strong U25 ladies’ presence, it always felt like a tough task to be noticed. Luckily, playing frequently against Mary Price led to her pushing me for trial opportunities. Outdoors was my first taste of junior international bowls and debut in 2016 at the age of 20. Moving indoors, I played for the Junior British Lions in Nottingham at the age of 22 (2018), I was in the squad for the U25 series in Scotland (2020), and made my indoor junior debut in West Denton U26 team when I was 25, playing a great series with Anna Noble, Emily Kernick, and Hannah Smith. In 2022, I travelled to Belfast as a reserve for the ladies’ team and played ten ends in the final against Wales, testing the newly implemented substitution rule at U25 and senior levels. This rule has pros and cons, and players and coaches are still learning to navigate it smoothly. The pathway process has been bumpy for me: I can’t say I confidently found myself on team sheets and I would always be fighting to get a chance. Seeing others move into seniors before finishing juniors and knowing that I was just breaking into the junior sides at the later stages of my junior career was a worry. You don’t want to be forgotten at a crucial turnover stage of an international playing career.
John: You obviously had the trial for the England team this year. How did you play in the trial and were you optimistic about being selected?
Morgan: During the trial, I stayed focused on my own game, blocking out what was happening on other rinks, so I had no idea who was also trialling well and where I compared. Seeing my name to trial at lead for the first time felt like a real opportunity, one I had to grab with both hands. It wasn’t a role I, or others, would have considered natural for me, but I was determined to prove myself. I felt quietly confident driving home after the trial, but also still doubtful as I’ve had the disappointment before. I didn’t let myself believe until the team sheet was published.
John: As a specialist lead, I’m fully aware of the pressures that go with leading at the highest level. How did you feel at being selected at lead and how did you prepare in the weeks and days leading up to the series?
Morgan: After a successful season last year, finishing as runner-up in the National Champion of Champions and winning the National Two Wood, I gained confidence in my ability to take on the lead role. However, in the weeks leading up to the series, I felt overwhelmed by the pressure that I was putting on myself, overthinking the possibilities. I hit a rough patch in January, where my performances dipped for 2–3 weeks. With each match that passed without improvement, I started to doubt myself, even considering calling Sandy Hazell to say I wasn’t ready. But I knew I couldn’t give up the opportunity after working so hard for the past five years. At the club level, I typically play back-end in national competitions for both ladies’ and mixed events. While 95% of my back-end game is drawing, it’s different from the blank canvas you face as a lead. I hadn’t had many chances to lead, so I knew I had to make the most of the few games I did play in that position to prepare properly by leading as many league and club games as I could. In the weeks before, I also met up with Cheryl Walters at Desborough (Maidenhead) to practice on a different surface and sharpen our ability to adapt quickly. At Whiteknights, I made sure to book in some practice sessions, just me, the mat, the jack and my two bowls.
John: I also made my international debut in Wales and I remember the intense build up to the match and the intense team talk, the pre-match butterflies in the stomach and the excitement. Delivering your first bowl for England is a moment you remember forever and I wanted it to be a good one. Can you remember your first bowl? Was it good?
Morgan: I believe it went about a yard through and all I could think was, ‘Thank God for that’ and the hands stopped shaking, It was just through on good line; it wasn’t short and in the way. I made the adjustment with the next so was happy and could walk down and breathe a sigh of relief.
John: You were selected with another new cap, Izzie White as a front-end partnership. How well did you know Izzie before the series? Had you played alongside her before and how did the front-end relationship develop as the series went on?
Morgan: Izzie and I knew each other well through the junior outdoor where we had been in the squads together for a couple of years and we always have a laugh. I was unsure of just how much enjoying ourselves we would be doing as we were both new, didn’t know just how much pressure we would feel and whether we would be able to feel relaxed.. It was a joy playing alongside Izzie. With each game, I think we understood each other more. I can be harsh on myself, but Izzie was there reassuring me and vice versa.
John: The series obviously went brilliantly for you as a rink. You played with Izzie, Nicole Rogers at three and Katherine Rednall at skip, and you won all three of your matches. What worked for the four of you? Were there certain tactics you employed as a four? What were the strengths of the four?
Morgan: I don’t think Katherine would want us to divulge our tactics! But we worked our way around beating the green first. Understanding the rink meant we weren’t making mistakes bowling the wrong hands. Before the final match, we had agreed to play a certain hand, and I tried to persist but I knew I wasn’t settling on the hand like I had been on other rinks but felt confident enough to ask Katherine whether it would be wise to change as it wasn’t getting the best out of me. Making the change made a difference in the setting up of heads. I think we were all really comfortable with each other and we all enjoyed each other’s company. Basically, it felt as if there was no pressure because when I didn’t get there, Izzie backed me up. And then to tidy it all up came along Nicole and Katherine with the money shots and the high pressure tasks in the later stages of the Scotland match.
John: What was the atmosphere like on and off the green?
Morgan: There is always a buzz about the series, nerves, adrenaline, passion. Playing Wales on their home turf first is a great way to kick off a series as the noise started from the off with a fantastic crowd. Again, the final match v Scotland in a match to decide the title the noise and atmosphere was brilliant. When the score started to swing in our favour, it felt more and more electric.
John: To me, it looks a competent and compatible women’s international team. What is the spirit like across the rinks?
Morgan: The team spirit was great; it really lifted morale. Sharing rink insights was invaluable, especially with so many quirks to navigate. Playing alongside experienced teammates and learning from them was a huge advantage. It was great to spend time with the team off the green, strengthening bonds and enjoying each other’s company whilst walking along the seafront or into the market in town. It all made for good preparation ahead of the matches.
John: The team is also quite a young team. Does this bode well for the future?
Morgan: Massively! Throughout my playing career, England has always had a strong pool of talented players at the junior level, making it incredibly tough to break into the team. The competition has always been fierce, which makes every opportunity to play at this level even more rewarding. Being in a rink with Nicole and Katherine where their confidence on the rink is undeniable, shows the growth from young squad members to well-established players. Seeing that progression firsthand is incredible and reinforces just how much development comes from being part of this team.
John: The England team is now managed by the legend that is Andy Thomson and we worked together on the Coach Bowls Level 3 Working Group. He’s obviously a world class player with massive experience but also really good tactically and analytically. What did he bring to the women’s team?
Morgan: I felt like he was always there, not judging or criticising but there for support. He was listening to everyone’s moans and groans and was giving us the advice he could. He gave motivational team talks prior to the matches and relating his experiences with us and sharing his knowledge, I would assume not only gave me belief but the other ladies as well. He studies not only our performances, but the opposition’s and he knew from the bowls and the green how we should be adapting our games to suit the rinks. He gave great encouragement as did his selection team.
John: Katherine, your skip, told me that you and Izzie were ‘absolutely brilliant’ in all three matches and she ‘had nothing to do except cover respots and put positional bowls in’. What were the most memorable moments of the series, on and off the green?
Morgan: I think some of the best bowls of the matches came in the Scotland game. Nicole facing 3 down, all within 6 inches of the jack, drew a bowl to the exact position Katherine had put her foot ( about 8 inches jack high), and then with the most perfect paced bowl, executed to perfection, arrived onto the bowls and followed the jack for 2 shots, completely changing the head around in our favour on a crucial end of the match. At this point it was player for player, blow for blow, and I had my second pinch me moment where I had a front-row seat to Potters Part 2. Beth Riva, Julie Forrest, Nicole Rogers and Katherine Rednall all producing the goods. Taking such a commanding lead against a strong rink, only to see them fight back, tested us in every way. The real challenge was how we responded. Turning up the gears in the final five ends to close out the match was an incredible feeling. Every single shot played a role in determining the outcome, making the intensity of those moments even more special. My favourite photo from the series came from Redders peeling away their bowl to make a number of it and everyone’s reaction to the shot.
John: Is your international four a dream team already or will it get better and better? Could it be an England four for many years to come?
Morgan: The team felt like a dream combination over the weekend, clicking right from the first game. Even when the Scots mounted a comeback, we found a way to regain the lead. Every player contributed to the team’s success, and I believe we have the potential to grow as a rink if given the opportunity. While I’d love for this team to remain a four, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Nicole skipping her own rink in the near future.
John: How much of a step up would you say there is from Junior International standard to full team?
Morgan: I think the intensity is higher, and although having been in some great junior teams indoor and out, it is a leap up to the full team. Similarly to when I played football, making the jump to first team, you are suddenly playing ladies with years more experience behind them and it’s the confidence and knowledge they carry that can set you apart. It’s a defining moment whether you either step up to the challenge or are overwhelmed by it.
John: How encouraging have your home club and friends been, before and after the series?
Morgan: I have incredible support at the club and home. My family have always supported me well to nationals and internationals and were there in Llanelli for the weekend, along with my club mate who took his non bowling wife along, and she loved the series and the atmosphere of it. At Whiteknights, club manager Andy Knapper does a fantastic job keeping members informed through emails and newsletters. With 941 members, it truly felt like every single one was behind me, even if they weren’t entirely sure what the series was about. The daily messages of encouragement meant so much. Andy’s experience, having gone through the same process himself, has been particularly helpful. Being able to share my thoughts and feelings with someone who understands has been a huge advantage. His advice ahead of the series has been invaluable, giving me both confidence and perspective.
John: Who, from the other participating countries stood out as brilliant players? The lead, Erin Smith from Ireland against me was relentless. She was class, a front or side toucher from me wasn’t enough, it was a great battle between us, and it was nice that we both appreciated each other’s bowls. She obviously wasn’t just brilliant in that match as she went on to be IWIBA Player of the series.
John: What would your advice be to up and coming players who aspire to play for their respective countries?
Morgan: One thing that has helped me in the last couple of seasons, is I believe in myself more. My game has gone up another level because of it and you enjoy the game more when you aren’t doubting your ability. You play better with confidence. Everyone’s opportunity comes at different times and sometimes it feels like it will never come at all, but it makes it a greater pleasure when it does.
John: What are your hopes and dreams for your bowls future, now that you’re a fully- fledged international bowler? Next year I will be aiming to keep my England position for the series and replicate the success of this year, and for as long as I can after that by continuing to play well and surrounding myself with good players and being well supported. Personally, I would like to strive for more national success, as the two-wood title gave me a real confidence boost that I can do it based on my own ability. In January, I had the chance to practice with Malaysian qualifier Nor Farah Ain, which was a great experience. I then watched her compete in the Ladies Matchplay event at Potters, and it really made me think about pushing myself further in the sport. Seeing top players handle the pressure with confidence in a setting so different from what I’m used to was eye-opening. I’ve come to realise just how important body language and self-belief are in this game. Watching the competition at Potters reinforced my ambition. I want to take on that challenge myself, and it’s now something I’m determined to work towards. I’ve already started setting myself small goals, entering WBT events and Open Singles Circuit competitions. Competing against both men and women at these quick format events will push me to deliver consistently high-quality bowls, helping me develop the skills and confidence needed to take the next step in my career.
John: In terms of your all-round game, do you play in other positions in the rink and do you have ambitions to move up and skip for England?
Morgan: The opportunity to represent England in any position is always a great honour. My goal is to compete at high level, regardless of the role I’m asked to play. At club and national level, I primarily skip in the ladies’ events and play back-end in mixed competitions, and I thrive in those highpressure moments that demand composure and precision. The adrenaline rush of delivering under pressure is something I genuinely enjoy. However, I would be just as elated to cast a jack for my country for as many years as you did, John!
John: Thanks, Morgan. Well done and good luck.
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