Drennan Team England’s talented mix of youth and experience put on a skilful display to win this year’s Home International.
This extremely well run competition saw England, Wales, Scotland and home nation Ireland lining up on the banks of the Newry Canal. Pole tactics dominated and it proved an excellent choice of venue with plenty of bites from small roach and perch plus the occasional bonus hybrid.
Day One was exceptional with an average weight of 5kg per man and England’s James Dent top weight with 11kg. Overnight rain slowed sport down the following day but the average weight was still 3kg per man with England’s Matt Derry top with 6.88kg.
These two former Under 23s will be really pleased with their performances on their senior debuts, alongside fellow debutant Cameron Hughes who scored two section wins.
Matt has double cause to celebrate after winning overall top individual prize with two section wins and a total weight of 13.56kg. That was narrowly more than William Raison’s 13.38kg total. Will perhaps deserves a special mention with two impressive weights of small fish from the less fancied middle of the match length.
After a disappointing Day One, Wales managed 2nd as a team on Day Two but still fell short of Ireland and Scotland in the overall stakes. They fielded the youngest team, however, and this was a great opportunity to give these new recruits some international experience. Ireland and Scotland also showed signs of promising young talent, which will hopefully give them a welcome boost in years to come.
Overall this reinstated event was a resounding success and Ireland can be very proud of the organisation and hospitality they showed everyone. This newly opened section of the Newry Canal is still being developed but it has already proven a great venue for an event of this kind.
Day One Result:
1st England 10
2nd Scotland 14.5
3rd Ireland 20
4th Wales 25.5
Day Two Result:
1st England 9
2nd Wales 18
3rd Scotland 21
4th Ireland 22
Overall Result:
1st England 19
2nd Scotland 35.5
3rd Ireland 42
4th Wales 43.5
Individuals:
1st Matt Derry (England) 2pts (13.56kg)
2nd Will Raison (England) 2pts (13.38kg)
3rd Cam Hughes (England) 2pts (8.26kg)