Issue 183  AUGUST 2010

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"GRAND SLAM" FOR ENGLAND

HOME NATIONS SHORE CHAMPIONSHIPS Report by Norman Berry, senior team manager

The England Men's Shore Team travelled to Scotland for their fourth successive victory, to achieve a "Grand Slam" of wins, a fantastic achievement in their own right but even better under one manager.

On day one England had three zone wins and two zone seconds, giving them 18 out of a possible 20 points, Scotland were a close second on 15 points with two zone wins, a second and two thirds. Day two saw Ireland and Wales come back strongly with two zone wins each with England on one, and with Scotland failing to capitalise on their day one result England were the winners by one point on the day but by seven points over the two days, a great result.

I must give a special thanks to, Paul Molyneux for running Tony O'Grady and myself around, John Brown for bringing the trophy up and running Tony and myself to and from the airport and to George Smith the reserve for his fantastic running of the beach and collecting results, he was faultless, as were the whole team.

Tony and I decided to fly to Aberdeen from Southampton as we didn't have tons of gear to carry, unlike the rest of the team, and neither of us fancied driving a 1200 mile round trip. We flew Eastern Airlines and were very impressed with the service, complimentary drinks onboard, our own lounge at the airports and fast track check in and security clearance, well worth the bit extra for business class travel.

All the teams stayed at the Waterside Inn, a 3 *** Swallow hotel, who were very helpful with early breakfasts and the presentation night etc. The reception and presentation dinners were well organised and the food was very good.

The high quality bait, Ammo mackerel, frozen blacks and live ragworm, was provided by David Neil.

Thanks to Claire Dagnall from Leeda for the box of goodies which we shared with the Youth team and to Julian Shambrook of AFAW for the "bits and pieces", it's good to know they have enough faith in us to invest in the team.

I've saved the best until last. Thanks must go to the Scottish Federation of Sea Anglers for a well organised and run competition, plenty of stewards, good venues, good accommodation and food, a friendly atmosphere and a very good presentation night. A few minor niggles but nothing to detract from the overall success of the whole event. WELL DONE the SFSA! Over the four years I've managed the team I have been blessed with a string of top achievers and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart, no manager could ask for more than a team that gives it all for the cause, especially for an "outsider". Most managers come up through the ranks, I stepped in for the match in Ireland four years ago, we won that one (lucky manager) so I think I've been kept on until I lose one. Well, I feel it's now time for me to stand down while we're on a high as I'm 65 next year and not in the best of health. I've been finding it increasingly difficult to walk the beach lately and it puts pressure on the team and reserve. There are now many who can fill the position so I'm not leaving the Angling Trust in the lurch which is my main concern. I've enjoyed my time in "the hot seat", it's been an honour and privilege, thank you all.

Win overshadowed by SALC fiasco as medals and trophy fail to arrive

The Irish Youths and Juniors won the gold medals and trophies in the Home Nations Shore Championships in Scotland, a superb achievement but their joy was overshadowed when at the presentation it was announced that the medals and a trophy had failed to arrive. The medals had been posted but hadn't arrived and were not trackable so they couldn't chase them. What sort of person puts medals that must arrive by a certain date, in the post? Surely "Special Delivery, Next Day" is the minimum requirement, personally I'd of used a courier for "next day delivery with a signature". At the presentation the blame was placed squarely on the shoulders of SALC, the Sea Angling Liason Committee, but SALC is an organisation, organisations don't post medals, people do. What all those at the presentation would like to know is, WHO was responsible for ensuring the medals and trophy got to the presentation on time?

The England Seniors also won gold medals but we had the trophy to pick up so weren't so disappointed. It is absolutely disgraceful that all the medal winners were disappointed after trying so hard but it must have been doubly disappointing for the youths and juniors. OK, I expect that they will eventually get the medals and trophy they deserve but there won't be a big presentation night in front of all the other competitors for them to savour the glory and atmosphere of their big win. It's an absolute disgrace and they deserve a full and personal apology from the person or persons responsible, nothing less will do.

Angling Trust is delighted to announce that the England Ladies World Shore Angling Team is once again to be sponsored by Varivas, Japanese manufacturers of premium quality fishing tackle exclusive to Veals Mail Order. Jansen Teakle of Varivas said "Last year in Montenegro, the superb Varivas 365 Fluoro Carbon played a vital role in putting fish on the beach, and ensuring a fantastic silver medal victory for the team!"

The England Ladies team have also secured sponsorship from Marks & Spencer who will be providing the uniforms for the team. The England Ladies team will be competing in South Africa from 7th - 13th November. The team comprises Stuart Withyman, Manager, Avril Withyman, Pauline Ferry, Adele Smith, Jo Hyde, Wendy Metcalf and reserve, Rachael Jarman.

Stuart Withyman and the England Ladies team would like to thank the sponsors as teams rely heavily on sponsorship and without this they would find it difficult to take part in the World Championships.

(Left) Our Shakespeare Shore prize winner this month is Paul Ryan from Littlehampton with a smoothhound of 19lb 7oz caught on crab bait from the shore at Selsey.

(Right) Mike Mowbray of Godshill, Isle of Wight with a plaice of 8lb ½ oz caught on Ragworm and spoon using Abu 7000 and Assassin rod whilst fishing aboard his own boat ‘Fish Ard’. This fish is a new Island record and is the second time the record has been broken in a fortnight. The previous record was 7lb 14oz. The new record was weighed and officially identified by Alan Bravery at Scotties tackle shop. Mike's previous personal best plaice was 6lb 8oz. Congratulations, Mike, our Shakespeare Boat prize winner this month. Photograph courtesy of Des Westmore.

Steve Ace with this 17lb 4oz  Bristol channel starry smoothhound collects our Sakuma prize.  Full competition details here

Sponsored by SAMALITE & ZZIPLEX, Supported by DENNING TACKLE and THE SEA ANGLING NEWS

* Samalite & Zziplex prizes *100% League entry cash payout * Prize Table

Dates Venue Times HW T

14th Aug Ferrybridge 7pm - 12pm 22.51 2.2, 4th Sept Cogden 6pm - 11pm 15.14 1.5, 30th Oct Masonic 7pm - 12pm 00.22 1.6, 27th Nov Abbotsbury 6pm - 11pm 22.22 1.6, 11th Dec West Bexington 5pm - 10pm 21.53 1.5

No matches will be cancelled, back up venue to be Preston Beach. Angling Trust rules apply. Payment: 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each zone / 1st 2nd 3rd overall. League membership will be limited to 100. Membership to league no later than 20th February 2010. £20.00 to join the league will go to end of season payout along with sponsorship prizes. 100 percent payout. Non league members will not be eligible for the end of year prize table. Match fees £10.00 entry plus £1.00 heaviest fish. Last entry on the night will be 1 hour before the match starts. Pre-book only. Any other information please ring Denning Tackle 01305 783145.

Discount Fishing Tackle supplied by Tacklebargains

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