England’s Ladies landed 56 of the 114 fish caught on a day of wild weather conditions. 42 anglers from the three participating home nations were battered by squally rain and wind all day and there were fears that the match might have to be called off due to the conditions, for safety reasons. However, the ladies were determined to carry on.
England’s Sheena Goode was the top rod, catching 17lb and 2oz of the team’s haul. Sue Shaw, also fishing for England, caught the largest fish, a 3lb 13.5oz rainbow trout.
Having come 4th in Ireland 2009 this spectacular victory follows last year’s gold at Llandegfedd for the team. Ireland was this year unable to enter a team, but they hope to rejoin this competition in the next year or two.
Manager Paul Sissons said: “I am so proud of the team and all they have achieved. We worked hard in training in difficult and changing conditions and this result is testament to the ladies’ dedication and commitment. Our confidence is high going to Scotland next year, where we hope to get a good result on the back of these two performances having not won in Scotland for 18 years. Our thanks go to Simon Hume Kendall and the Bewl Water staff for everything they did to welcome the teams and a special thanks to the Bewl Water Flyfishers for all their help and support for the England Team.”
England Lady Fly Fishers captain Jane Robinson said: “we weren’t sure how well we had done until we got to shore and saw the results. I am delighted for everyone in the team, who all contributed to this victory. 7 of the top 10 anglers on the day were from the England team.
We are very grateful to our sponsors; Airflo, Iain Barr, Essential Fly, House of Hardy, Wychwood and Yorkshire Game Angling for their support of lines, flies, flytying materials, fly boxes, drogue clamps and clothing.
Angling Trust Chief Executive Mark Lloyd said: “I was delighted to be able to attend the closing ceremony of this competition and to witness not only a fantastic performance by team England, but also the unique camaraderie and sporting sprit of all the teams taking part. It was great to see anglers fishing competitively, but also enjoying making and renewing great friendships with anglers from other nations. Now that the England Lady Fly Fishers are part of the Angling Trust, we will be looking for sponsorship to give them better support.”