Warmest congratulations must go to our Celtic / Scottish brethren on their stupendous gold winning performance on Lake of Menteith at the Autumn International Fly Fishing International last Friday. Their sleek and slick all round performance made them worthy winners – with seven of their fourteen man team featuring in the top ten rods! The winner of the coveted Brown Bowl was Andy McKay of Scotland with 11 fish weighing 23lbs 1.2ozs.

Our own Dai Rickets, captain of the Welsh Team had 10 fish weighing 20lbs 1oz. – but even with such a magnificent catch the Brown Bowl eluded him. However he won the Gillie Farr Trophy for the Wales top bag – and this for the third time – and on Lake of Menteith each time! Well done Dai – Warmest congratulations! What is it about that lake that appeals to you, Dai?

Our team performed remarkably well and missed out on the silver position by just one fish. The team was ably led by Dai Rickets and George Barron (team coach) and the camaraderie between team members was of the highest order. Contributions of all team members at team meetings were very constructive and much appreciated. The new caps were well supported by the whole team and on the day everyone fished well with the majority beating the challenge of their boat partners. Father and son team members Ian and Sean Jones brought in six fish each – and the weight difference was a mere 1.2oz – and in Sean’s favour – Da iawn ti Sean!

What was this image that appeared in the sky above Menteith on match day – an omen of things to come?

Roy Pascoe, one of the stalwarts of the team unfortunately suffered a very painful muscular disorder during the match – yet kept on fishing until the end. His son Mike, who was also in the team, and his good friend Spencer Williams took him to Stirling General Hospital for treatment which meant that the three lost out on the International Dinner where team captain Dai Rickets – while presenting medals to the rest of the team – wished Roy well and referred to the contribution the three absentees had made to the team effort.

Moc Morgan(International President)presenting the Gillie Farr Trophy to Dai Ricketts – the Top Welsh Rod at the Autumn International. This is the third time for Dai to win the trophy – and each time on the Lake of Meneith

It is good to be able to report that after treatment, Roy was discharged from hospital in the early hours of Saturday and was able to travel home later the same day. He is to undergo further treatment and we all wish him a full and speedy recovery.

The overall result was as follows:

Scotland          108fish            229lbs 12.2ozs

England           74fish              160lbs 13.2ozs

Wales              73fish              177lbs 13.6ozs

Ireland             66fish              138lbs 5.6ozs

The event was well organized and the team’s thanks go to the organizers and to the staff of the Lake of Menteith Fishery for providing such quality fish and wonderful sport.

Julia Morgan