Congratulations to David Hoppe on winning the Brown Bowl at the Autumn International held on Grafham Water on Friday, September 23rd 2011..
David together with most of the Autumn team had travelled to Grafham the preceding Sunday and in company with his team mates had practised long and hard during some very difficult and challenging days on the reservoir. David – a very perceptive and astute angler – enjoys fishing Grafham and during team meetings he like the other team members would bring his thoughts and observations to the table. On the final night he spelt out exactly what method he would be using on match day. He stuck to his game plan and brought 18 fish to the net! Brilliant! His boatman on the day was Graham Watson – one time manager of Team England – who warmly congratulated David on a fantastic all-day performance.
Needless to say there was huge jubilation in the Welsh camp at David’s success. He had worked hard and fully deserved the BROWN BOWL.

Team performance
Although our team had practiced hard, they were up against a very determined and able English Team whose members are ‘at home’ on Grafham. England came in worthy winners with 105 fish weighing 223lbs +; Scotland was second with 76 fish weighing 168lbs+; Wales were third with 62 fish weighing 137 lbs; Ireland fourth with 34 fish weighing 79lbs+.

Officers’ Match – winner George Barron
The officers’ also hold a six-hour match on Championship Day and this year’s winner of the OFFICIAL’S TROPHY was George Barron, coach to the Welsh team, who brought in four fish. Congratulations George.

Thanks The event was organised by the England Team Manager, Richard Slater – and thanks must go to him for organising such a successful and enjoyable event. In his speech, Welsh Team Captain, Geoff Thompson thanked the organisers, his team and team officers – and also his wife Lindsay – for their support and commitment. It was indeed a friendly and much enjoyed – though challenging – event.

Minute’s Silence Prior to the teams’ parade down to the boats on match morning a minute’s silence was held in memory of the four Welsh miners who lost their lives in the Gleision drift mine in Cilybebyll, Pontardawe – and the Piper played a lament.

Julia Morgan