Competitions
SIXTH FOR ENGLAND AT FLY WORLD CHAMPS
‘What might have been’ was probably the overriding thought of the England Men’s Fly Fishing squad after returning from this year’s World Championships in the Czech Republic with sixth place under their belts.
Sitting in second place after the third day of action, a poor day four saw medal chances take a severe blow and despite rallying in the final match, there was a little too much damage to repair. Their total score of 335 placing points left them 75 adrift of a bronze medal and 115 behind champions France.
Fielding a squad of skipper Howard Croston, Scott Nellins, James Atkinson, Brian Lille, Sean Brooks, reserve Del Spry and Manager Mark Withyman, England got off to a fine start, ending day one in third spot with 49 points.
Day two saw them slip a couple of places down to fourth, but a much better draw on day three saw England roar back into second spot, firmly eyeing up a medal. However, fishing can be cruel and by day four, it was obvious which beats on the rivers Vltava and Octava were good and which weren’t. England didn’t get the best draw and despite battling away, they slipped down to eighth spot.
Even so, a medal was still a possibility going into the final day and a much better performance saw the team climb the table once again. Sadly, it wasn’t enough to get in the medals. Individually, England’s best performer was skipper Howard with 11th spot on 47 placing points, Frenchman Pierre Kuntz ensuring a win double for France with the gold medal.
“The team was capable of winning a medal as our practice and techniques proved, but in the end, we were within touching distance but not close enough,” reflected Manager Mark. “Thanks go to our sponsors Fly Fish North, Unique Flies, Smart designs SD and Hardy Fly Fishing and also our guides Vojtech Ungr and Katka Svagrova. Here’s to the next World Championships in the USA in 2026!”
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