The event, staged this year on Italy’s Ostellato Canal, was totally dominated the Italians on their home water, scoring nine points on day one with three section wins and consolidating that with 12 points on day two to head the field of 36 teams with a final score of just 21.
The venue fished well with bream and carp showing in good numbers and also plenty of catfish being caught – although governing body CIPS ruled they would not count for the event.
England left out Steve Gardener on day one and their top performer was Stu Conroy with a 17kg weight for second in his section. On day two Alan Scotthorne managed a section third, Des Shipp a fourth and Will Raison fifth in section.
The Hungarians had a particularly strong performance on day two to take overall silver and Belgium took the bronze medal with 32 points. England finished on 29 points for fifth place. Wales finished in 12th, Scotland 15th, Ireland 27th and the Channel Islands 31st.
In the individual competition Andrea Fini won the gold for Italy with Peter Milkovics of Hungary taking silver and Ferruccio Gabba of Italy the bronze.
