The two teams crossed the Channel to compete against 20 World teams in a friendly European Feeder Fishing Championship on the rowing course at the Water Sports Centre, Ghent, the venue where the actual World Feeder Championships will take place on 07 and 08 July 2012.
The ‘A’ Team was: Steve Ringer, Phil Ringer, Mick Vials, Darren Cox and Dean Barlow and ‘B’ Team: Adam Wakelin, Rob Wootton, Kieron Rich, Adam Rooney and Alex Bones.
The England ‘B’ Team was leading after day one with the ‘A’ Team trailing in second, but day two saw the ‘A’ Team bounce back to claim the team gold title with the ‘B’ Team finishing in silver medal position.
Steve Ringer was in second place on the first day with 17.450 kg of bream and went on to win his section with 10.500 kg on the second day to take the gold medal. In second was Adam Wakelin and, emphasising the quality of the victory, Kieron Rich took bronze.
The match proved that the venue really suits the team’s style of feeder fishing and the teams are now fired up for the World Championships in Ghent, Belgium in July.
Overall Results Individual
1st Steve Ringer, England ‘A’ Team 27.928kg – 3 points
2nd Adam Wakelin, England ‘B’ Team 22.390kg – 4 points
3rd Kieron Rich, England ‘B’ Team 17.191kg – 4 points
4th Kris Huybrechts, Belgium 14.053kg – 4 points
5th Darren Cox, England ‘A’ Team 17.881kg – 5 points
6th Marco Hofman, Netherlands 20.965kg – 6 points
7th Peter Van De Willik, Netherlands 13.517kg – 6 points
8th Michael Mayer, Germany 10.964kg – 7 points
9th Alex Bones, England ‘B’ Team 11.246, – 8 points
10th Jurian Bulten, Netherlands 29.597 – 9 points
England Squad Positions
1st Steve Ringer ‘A’ Team
2nd Adam Wakelin ‘B’ Team
3rd Kieron Rich ‘B’ Team
11th Dean Barlow, ‘A’ Team
18th Mick Vials ‘A’ Team
25th Phil Ringer, ‘A’ Team
32nd Rob Wootton, ‘B’ Team
36th Adam Rooney, ‘B’ Team
Glenn Lawrence, Angling Trust Preston Innovations England Feeder Coach said:
“Steve Ringer was unbelievable in fishing the match, and every single one of the lads did a brilliant job over the two days to bring home the medals. I was really happy with their performance. This competition was to give the younger lads some international experience and we are looking forward to getting out there again for the World Championships.”
Dick Clegg, OBE International Events Manager said:
“On paper the venue looked to favour England as they suit this style of feeder fishing, and this particular venue has been used by the England Veteran and Junior teams on previous occasions. I think the squads did a fantastic job and I applaud them and look forward to the World Feeder Championships in July.”
