Mark commented:
“I am trying a new format this year, one I will be experimenting with on the World Club Championship in Italy with Starlets as well as the U23 World Championship in France. I have watched other international teams try this format so I feel it is time to give it a go.
For a long time now I have felt that it is vitally important for squad members not only to practise hard themselves but to be more aware of exactly how other teams are tackling the venue, as sometimes you can end up with a tunnel vision appraisal of tactics.
I have selected six lads for the U23 squad this year, as the venue may switch from pole to slider, and this squad will all travel to France. On each practice day one will be on the bank watching and gathering information from events unfolding on the bank.”
The squad will comprise:
Matt Godfrey – Age 21 – Sheffield
Matt Derry – Age 21 – Hednesford
James Dent – Age 21 – Yarm
Oliver Scotthorne – Age 22 – Rotherham
Alex Clements – Age 19 – Petersfield
Rory Jones – Age 18 – Hereford
The new members who will be joining the experienced regulars of Matt Godfrey, Matt Derry and James Dent are:
Oliver Scotthorne who has put a lot of time and effort into the trial, and was rewarded by a superb performance from a poor area on the day, Oliver has fished for the U18 squad previously, and has come on leaps and bounds in recent years.
Alex Clements who at just 19 has an experienced head on young shoulders and is a regular first team member of the powerful Milo Bordon squad. Alex put in a good performance at the trial and Mark has been tracking his recent form. Alex fared well in the recent Sensas International Challenge Final winning his section, showing great versatility.
At 18-years-old Rory Jones is the youngster of the squad and is Mark’s ‘joker card’ and a young angler who is thought to have a great future in front of him. Rory is unique, a proper natural venue master who excels on his favoured River Wye, where Mark has watched him on numerous occasions put together great weights on bolo, waggler and pole and it is thought Rory will be a great asset on the World Championship venue, the River Villaines.
Mark added:
“The trial was tough, but even if the anglers did not fare too well it was great to see how the individuals coped with the pressure so well done to all of the youngsters who took part in the England U23 trials this year.
I have a great group of lads to work with here and a good spread of ages. This way we have continuity for many years to come, and with anglers like Connor Barlow, Jake Marshall, and Frankie Gianoncelli in the wings the future looks good.”
