Episode 76 - Commonwealth Games Special: Inside the Welsh and English Camps Episode 76 launches our build-up to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with two of the Northern Hemisphere’s leading players joining DJ for an inside look at their preparations. Welsh international Ross Owen is heading to his third Commonwealth Games, where he will contest the men’s singles and skip the pairs alongside two-time defending champion Daniel Salmon. Ross discusses the lengthy Welsh selection process, the sacrifices required to remain indoors during the UK outdoor season, the importance of competitive test matches and the responsibility of representing Wales across two disciplines. He also reveals how focusing heavily on singles over the past two years helped him secure one of the biggest opportunities of his career. England’s Sam Tolchard is preparing for an incredible fifth Commonwealth Games and another opportunity to claim the elusive gold medal missing from his collection. Sam explains England’s selection process, the challenge of stepping away from outdoor competition, learning to incorporate structured drills into his preparation and the difficulty of preparing for an unknown portable indoor surface. He also shares his thoughts on the brutal short format, set jack lengths, the shot clock and why every small moment will matter in Glasgow. Simon and DJ also recap all the major results from the 2026 Australian Open, including another remarkable tournament from Corey Wedlock, singles victories for Jamie-Lee Worsnop and Aaron Teys, and the outstanding performances across all 18 events. The boys discuss: -Simon’s player development weekend at Goulburn Railway Bowling Club-Delivery analysis for 40 club bowlers-The latest milestone in Maitland City’s new covered-green development-The Australian Open champions-Corey Wedlock’s extraordinary tournament record-The contrasting preparation of Australian and UK players-The challenges of limited practice on Glasgow’s portable rinks-Why the short Commonwealth Games format could produce some major surprises With unfamiliar surfaces, limited preparation time and some of the world’s best players competing under a cutthroat format, Glasgow 2026 is shaping up as one of the most unpredictable bowls events we have seen. PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY 🏆 The Bowls Academy Unlock Your Bowls Potential. Play With Confidence 👉 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com 🎽 SSA (StarSub Apparel)Australian-made custom apparel for clubs, teams, and events.👉 https://www.starsub.com.au Follow on Instagram: @starsubapparel 🏟️ MakMax AustraliaThe leaders in architectural shade and canopy structures — including iconic bowling club canopies across Australia.👉 https://www.makmax.com.au Bowling Canopies: https://www.makmax.com.au/projects/bowling-club-canopies 🚗 Newcastle Car & Truck RentalLocally owned and operated, providing affordable and reliable vehicle hire for individuals and businesses.👉 https://www.newcastlecarrental.com.au 📧 CONNECT WITH US Got a question, topic idea, or want to get involved in the show? We’d love to hear from you! 📩 Simon Lyttle – [email protected] 📩 DJ – [email protected] Explore our full range of coaching content, blogs, and gear:🌐 https://www.thebowlsacademy.com 🛒 https://shop.thebowlsacademy.com 💬 HELP US GROW THE SHOW! If you enjoy What a Load of Bowls:⭐ Rate and review us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts📢 Share the episode with your teammates and bowling friends💌 Send us an email or tag us with your feedback — we might read it on the next episode!

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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