The overall result was that France won with Wales second
and Australia third. Team England finished a disappointing
12th which was a definite "save" from the previous
day's 17th by John Horsey winning the final boat stage on
Blagdon on the Friday.
From the first day the French practically had the competition
won with four first placings out of the initial five stages.
They continued to dominate the competition taking the Gold
and Silver placings on the individual front too.
 |
Pat O'Keefe, a member of the NZ team with their local
guide Steve Evans at the results ceremony |
The overall competition had its share of surprises: A mystery
"bug" affected a number of competitors and had
a major effect on the results. The New Zealand team were
running 4th at the end of day two and looked good for a
possible third place... until two of the team were hit badly
by the bug and were unable to land any of the five fish
which they hit on the final day. Team NZ eventually finished
9th.
Team USA at the results ceremony.
from right to left
Jeff, Walt and John |
 |
Quote of the competition has to go to Walter Ungerman of
Team USA in describing the lower Test beat river section
as an "irrigation ditch". We liked that ...
On behalf of myself and all of the other local fisherman
who had contact with the teams, I would like to say that
we enjoyed your company, learnt a few new "tweaks"
on fishing our local haunts and were delighted to be of
some help (we hope...) to some of the best fishermen (and
women) in the world. Thanks to all of you who we met.
 |
Jay Buchner, team USA member |
For the lead up to the competiton and the areas fished
have a look at the Championship background
page.
