England’s Men’s and Ladies’ teams both bagged silver medals in the World Shore Angling Championships held in Budva, Montenegro from 10th – 18th October 2009. This fantastic achievement is particularly impressive as they were fishing in unfamiliar waters against teams who are accustomed to these conditions.
England Men’s Team & Result
The England Men’s Team, Sponsored by Fox International and Delta Transport, were competing against 15 other nations, including South Africa, who are to host the World Championships in 2010. They narrowly missed out on a gold medal, with just three points separating them from overall winners Portugal.
Richard Prosser, is the Manager of a team which included: Chris Clark, Ian Golds, Saul Page, Malcolm Stote and John Lintern. The reserve was Richard Yates.
Overall Results
Gold Portugal (12 points)
Silver England (15 points)
Bronze Wales (22 points)
Top England Individual Team performers were Ian Golds and Malcolm Stote with 8th and 9th position respectively.
The team caught a wide range of fish, including: mediterranean species of bream, wrasse, garfish, mullet, comber and weever, all caught on a mixture of mussel, shrimp and squid baits.
Richard Prosser, Team Manager, commented: “This was a strong team performance against countries who are familiar with this type of fishing. The team must be congratulated on their dedication and desire to win.”
England Ladies’ Team and Results
The England Ladies team, sponsored by Varivas, Colmic Tackle, and Snow’s Timber, competed against 10 other teams in the Championships this year.
Stuart Withyman is the Manager of the team which comprised: Avril Withyman, Sherryl Bellfield, Heather Lindfield, Adele Smith, Pauline Ferry and reserve Janet Verlinde.Stuart commented: “congratulations must go to the whole team for a fantastic performance, and particularly to Sherryl for her great individual achievement, winning an individual silver and catching the largest bag of the competition.”
Without the products and support from the sponsors the team would have found it very difficult to compete in the Championships. Snow’s Timber contributed £1,200 for the hire of a mini bus.
The star of the show was Sherryl Bellfield who on Match 3 caught 10 fish, the largest being 375g, and a total bag 945g, the biggest of the whole event. Sherryl finished runner-up taking home the individual silver medal.
England Ladies World Shore Championship individual positions:
2nd Sherryl Bellfield
8th Heather Lindfield
17th Pauline Ferry
27th Avril Withyman
30th Adele Smith
World Ladies Shore Championship Team Results:
1st Croatia
2nd England
3rd Portugal