ENGLAND match fishing teams have been announced for two of this year's World Angling Championships events. They look to have a strong chance of emulating glory, for the golden oldies, last year (pictured).
The FIPSed 9th Veterans and 18th Disabled World Coarse Championships will both be held on the Labe River, Pardubice, Czech Republic from 3rd-4th June.
And the Angling Trust – who oversee the international sides – have been explaining to Angler’s Mail how it’s all shaping up….
This year sees Joe Roberts take over the reigns from global match fishing legend Dick Clegg in his first year as England Manager of the Veterans team.
Joe has decided to take the same successful team from last year’s World Championships who won double gold in Portugal.
There is just one exception to the team with Harry Billing taking Joe’s place as the fifth squad member and Kevin Folwell will be joining the team this year to gain international experience.
Angling Trust England Veterans Team will consist of: Steve Sanders , Mark Downes, Danny Sixsmith, Roger Marlow , Harry Billing and Joe Roberts (manager).
Mark Downes starred in his Veterans debut last year, and is back in the side this time. He combines this with other top flight roles, including co-managing the main Drennan Team England sides.
Joe Roberts said: “I have been to the venue on four separate occasions and we have had quite a bit of success on the Labe River in the past. It is a varied river and it just depends where the sections are drawn as to the level of fishing in the Championship.
“I’m delighted to act as the Manager of the team and am very confident that we will do well in the World Championships. England Assessments to select next year’s team will be taking place around June time with further details announced by the Angling Trust soon.
“For next year’s World Championship FIPSed has lowered their age category to 55-75 years of age, which we hope will help bring more anglers forward.”
Dick Clegg OBE, International Events Manager of the Angling Trust said: “’In selecting Joe Roberts to take over the Angling Trust’s Veterans team I believe we can continue with our successes at world level.
“Joe himself was individual World Champion when we also won the team championship in Portugal in Penacova in 2012 and was part of last year’s double gold medal winning team in Cabecao again in Portugal.
“His undoubted ability should hold him in good stead and I know that having been to this year’s venue in the Czech Republic several times the team will have a great chance of returning with a medal.
Mark Eves, well known on the southern match scene, is back in the Disabled team.
Disabled team welcomes two new faces
This year’s England Disabled Team will see a newcomer in Roy Wells and previous team member Mark Russell replacing Mick Cove and Gary Bull.
“England Disabled Manager John Weeden is excited about this year’s venue in the Czech Republic on the Labe River in the town of Pardubice,” said Dick Clegg.
Manager John Weeden continued: “I believe this venue will suit both Roy and Mark more so than Mick and Gary, but we would like to thank them for their tremendous spirit and enthusiasm shown in previous years.
“The other England Disabled squad members are Mark Eves, Alan Chadbone and Bill Galt, (Bill won a bronze individual medal in Portugal last year), all three of them have a good number of championships under their belt and according to John “this could be our year”.
The Angling Trust England Disabled Team will consist of: Mark Eves , Alan Chadbone , Bill Galt , Roy Wells, Mark Russell and John Weeden (manager).
Bill Galt (right) got onto the podium last year and is back in the Vets side this time.
Dick Clegg added: “’Unfortunately I have been unable to find accommodation to house all our group in one hotel since this time we are 21 strong. However, we have two hotels close to each other and we will meet at meal times when information can be passed on regarding each day’s practice.
“Remember both teams have to fund themselves and so do the volunteers who help. Martin Halford, Kevin Folwell and Dickie Carr will help the Veterans, whilst Mick Gibbs, Ian Turner, Tony Troth, Mick Gorry and Elliot Faye will be with the Disabled lads.”
The teams will be fundraising at the The Big One show at Farnborough, Hampshire on March 19th and 20th. Please support by giving donations!
And look out for details on great 2016 fishing tackle to see at The Big One show by reading Angler’s Mail each week – we have exclusive previews in the magazine.