We are excited to announce that the Marcus Craig Trophy is making its highly anticipated return this year—bigger and better than ever before! The prestigious tournament will expand to 16 teams, featuring a dynamic mix of AIIB Men’s Senior and Junior International teams alongside 4 qualifier teams, ensuring a thrilling competition for everyone involved.
Expanded Format: More Teams, More Excitement
This year’s tournament will see 12 teams made up of the best senior and junior international players from the Association of Irish Indoor Bowls (AIIB). In addition, 4 spots will be available for local teams to qualify, creating a perfect blend of international talent and up-and-coming stars.
The qualifying event will take place on Friday, 24th January, giving teams the opportunity to secure their spot in the tournament. With only 16 qualifying entries available, we encourage teams to sign up early to avoid disappointment. The entry fee for the qualifying event is £30 per team. Full details for entry will be released later this week.
Tournament Schedule
- Qualifying Night: Friday, 24th January
- Main Competition: Saturday, 25th January
Teams will compete in a Best of 5 End Sets format, with each player participating in at least one set. A Power Play option is available in every set, where teams can double their score for one end of their choosing. In the event of a tie, all 3 players from each team will compete in a 1-End Shootout to determine the winner.
The Road to the Trophy
This year’s tournament promises to be an action-packed event filled with exciting matchups and high-level competition. After the group stages, the top teams will advance to the quarter-final knockout rounds, where the fight for the coveted Marcus Craig Trophy will intensify.
We are confident that this year’s event will continue to build on the legacy of Marcus Craig and provide unforgettable moments for both players and spectators alike. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!
How to Enter
Teams can register for the qualifying event online using the link below, with the entry fee set at £30 per team. Remember, there are only 16 spots available, so act quickly to secure your place in the tournament.
https://www.marcuscraigtrophy.com
For further details, keep an eye on our website and social media pages for updates. We look forward to seeing you all at the Marcus Craig Trophy—let the games begin!
