The England Boat Squad received a huge boost to their 2010 World and Home Nations campaign in the shape of sponsorship funding for their recent squad weekend held on the 17th and 18th of October 2009, from the leaders in quality frozen baits, the ‘Ammodytes’ Company (www.ammodytes.co.uk).
The two day annual event out of Weymouth brought together the current 2009 Squad members plus a selection of ‘in form’ up-and-coming rookies seeking to measure up their skills to those required of boat match angling at this level.
Two groups set out each day comprising current World Team anglers and World Prospects on ‘Flamer’, and the current Home Nations Team, squad members and rookies on ‘Lady Godiva’. Angling Trust’s Jim Whippy and Ray Ashby, both with a wealth of World Championship and Home Nations experience under their belts, oversaw proceedings. England Selector Brian Owen also ran his eye over the 2010 Team contenders ahead of the team selection meeting in January.
Day one saw anglers being organised into teams and preparing for a full blown team competition on day two. Team ‘Baron’ won the Sunday match, the winning team anglers being Ray Baron, Gary Galbraith, Paul Hart, Bobby King and Steve Clements. ‘Best newcomer’ was awarded to Dave Mann. Over fifteen species were caught and released over the two days including cod, conger, rays, huss, bream, pollack, wrasse, garfish, gurnard, pout, smoothhound, scad, dogfish and whiting.
This was an Ammo bait supplied event with each Squad Member having a set supply of bait, only supplemented by Mackerel caught afloat. The combination of top bait and the country’s top anglers resulted in two tremendous days afloat and will provide the selectors with the unenviable task of selecting the two teams for next year’s events. Ian and Michelle from the Ammodytes Company joined the teams during the weekend to endorse their personal support for the England Squad, support which will hopefully provide a successful base for the England Team’s 2010 Championships campaign.
Ray Ashby, England Home Boat Manager said: “We are very grateful for the support of the Ammodytes Company for this important training and pre-selection event. The backing of the trade is essential for our England teams in all disciplines to take a professional approach to competing for their country.”