From the results of the last four international matches it looks as if the Welsh Senior squad is on a roll as the team has consistently performed well winning Gold on three occasions and taking silver on the fourth – the match that somehow slipped away.

The Welsh team had put in a lot of time on Chew Fishery and this preparatory work definitely paid off. On the two official practice days the weather – despite being cold – was quite favourable – as was match day until 4.00 p.m. when strong winds and driving rain made things very unpleasant. The practice days’ results had been good for Wales and this helped to boost the team’s confidence.

At the weigh-in it quickly became apparent that the four teams were very, very close. England had caught 47 fish, Scotland and Wales were equal with 44 fish and Ireland had 37.  The result of the competition is based on the weight of fish caught and the Welsh team had taken some exceptionally heavy fish. The total Welsh weight was 101.260 lbs. England’s catch weighed 99.910lbs Scotland’s 94.340lbs and Ireland 78.190lbs.

It would seem that once again Boobies and Diawl Bach were the favourite flies and floating lines were the most effective – although the Midge tip was quite useful. The quality of the fish was exceptional and a brown trout weighing 15lb 12 ozs was caught on match day in the friendly ‘Officers’ Competition’.

The top rod and winner of the coveted ‘Brown Bowl’ was Gareth Dixon from Wales. He was really on fire on match day having enjoyed some exceptional practice sessions on the lake. He had discovered a fly that the Chew fish found irresistible. He had generously tied similar flies for each of his team mates but his winning bag of 9 fish weighing 19.620lbs proved that Gareth also had something special at his fingertips. As he said when presented with the trophy – ‘This is something I have always dreamed about’.

Each member of the team contributed to the team’s wonderful success – they all had fish to present at the weigh-in.

Before leaving Chew, Bob Jones (Captain) – in exuberant mood – expressed his gratitude to his team mates for all their effort and contribution. His team members were:

Gareth Dixon, Keith Cadogan, Gareth Jones, Garry Davies, Russell Owen, Richard Hooper, Craig Gimblett, Mark Barton, David Hoppe, Stephen Docherty, Craig Bowen, Aled Dixon and David Jones.