Source: Angling Trust
The 2014 European Championship was held on the Hensies Pommeroeul Canal, Bernissart, Belgium with 24 nations competing and England knew they had to get things right and locate the bream from the start if they were going to be contenders for the medals.
After a reasonable first day with 35 points and fifth place, England knew they needed a low score to have a chance of scooping their 5th European Title and with just 15 minutes to go Will Raison hooked and landed a 4lb bream – his only fish apart from four small perch. Sean Ashby followed up by doing exactly the same, netting a 3lb bream to go with his single perch. Both finished 3rd in their sections with Callum Dicks also 3rd, Alan Scotthorne 6th and Simon Willsmore 8th to give a total of 59 points over the two days – it was just enough to see them finish a point ahead of a strong Russian challenge.
England were, however, out of contention in the individual medal states with Mike Thinnes from Luxembourg taking the gold medal, Diego Da Silva from France in silver medal position and Roman Pokorny jr from Czech Republic in third.
Team managers Mark Downes and Mark Addy commented:
“It was an extremely difficult venue where the difference was sheer concentration and patience, and it was that which saw England ‘steal’ the gold medal at the death. The team have worked brilliantly this week and we are all over the moon to win the Championship and bring home gold.”
Dick Clegg, Angling Trust International Manager, said:
“An absolutely fantastic performance by Drennan Team England to win in Belgium, which highlights the versatility of the squad after last year’s World Championship win in Poland.
To be crowned champions at both European and World level is something special and I applaud the management and the squad on such a tremendous achievement.”
Top 4 Team results
1st England – 59 points
2nd Russia – 60 points
3rd Italy – 67 points
4th Netherlands – 71 points
Top 4 Individual results
1st Mike Thinnes, Luxembourg – 3 points
2nd Diego Da Silva, France – 4 points
3rd Roman Pokorny Jr, Czech Republic – 4 points
4th Yury Siptsov, Russia – 5 points
England Individual Placings
6th Will Raison – 5 points
11th Callum Dicks – 9 points
16th Alan Scotthorne – 11 points
18th Sean Ashby – 11 points
111th Simon Willsmore – 32 points (fished 1 day)
116th Lee Kerry – 39 points (fished 1 day)
Drennan Team England comprised: Will Raison, Sean Ashby, Alan Scotthorne, Callum Dicks, Lee Kerry, Simon Willsmore, Mark Downes and Mark Addy (Joint Managers).
