Valencia Island – Ireland
Ireland were the hosts for this year’s Championship. The English Section carried on their fantastic record of success when travelling to the Emerald Isle.
After a long and tiring journey, the English anglers gathered at the Royal Hotel on Valencia Island. Once the draw had taken place, old friends indulged in friendly banter and quaffed copious amounts of alcoholic beverages. A superb buffet was laid on by E.F.S.A Ireland, who proved to be fantastic hosts.
Day 1 – Due to high winds, the venue was changed from the floating marina, to a rock mark approximately 1 mile from the hotel. Many fish were landed, albeit from precarious areas of rock. The English achieved 3 zone wins and a 2nd place to lead by 5 points on the 1st day in the team category.
Day 2 – The venue for the 2nd day was Beginish Island. We all clambered aboard a 3 wheeled amphibian vehicle, of which we all agreed was a wonderful piece of machinery. On arriving on the uninhabited island (apart from the goats), the long trek to the fishing area began. The pegs were quite dangerous, causing some of the anglers to slip and fall. The fishing wasn’t as good as the previous day and our lead supply was decimated. The English Section managed to secure a 1st, two 3rd places and a blank in the team category.
Day 3 – With the return to the first day’s fishing mark, the English anglers knew they had to pull out all the stops in order to win the title for the 3rd year running. At the start of the day Wales were on 42 points, Ireland 41 points and England were on 40 points. Fishing on the third day was probably the most prolific with the England anglers registering three zone wins and one 2nd, to take the Gold medal position.
A special mention must go to English Section angler Dave Lovelock, who had zone wins on all 3 days and in doing so deservedly, became the 2010 SCBI Champion.
On a personal note I would like to thank all anglers present, for their warm words of condolence over my family’s tragic loss, and for their assistance, advice and help given to my son Aston who was taking part in his first EFSA fishing event. This help came from anglers of all nations which shows exactly what EFSA stands for, a family with no barriers.
The English Section were represented by John Campbell, Dave Lovelock, Budge Booker, Reg Clough and Peter Campbell. A total of 6 English Section anglers made the journey to Ireland.
A special mention must also go to all the staff at the Royal Hotel, the food was 1st class and the service was impeccable.
John Campbell