The beginning of October has for decades spelt the start of the pike angling season, and for the past 16 years has also been the signal for the annual International Pike Championships between Britain v Ireland to be held. After a year of planning and waiting, the time had come for the top 10 anglers from Britain and Ireland selected at their respective nations Selection Finals to pack their bags and head off to do battle on the Somerset Levels around Bridgwater. Ireland came full of thoughts of retaining the trophy they had won the previous year at Roscommon in Ireland with the smallest ever winning margin of just 1 ½ lbs, whilst Britain were eager to show the Irish that the old adage of “The luck of the Irish” had held sway at Roscommon, and this time round we were out with a vengeance to gain revenge for that slender defeat. Thursday saw both squads travel to Somerset and our chosen base of the Laburnum House Lodge Hotel at East Huntspill; just 5 miles away from Bridgwater and close to both waters chosen to stage the event. With enough accommodation to hold both squads, whilst providing a high degree of comfort and a large helping of excellent food. Once again the camaraderie that has grown up over the years between the nations shone through, as old friends got together over a few beers in the bar that evening, and many new friends were made by those making their International debut.

The following morning after a hale and hearty breakfast that would have satisfied even the stoutest angler, everybody piled into the local tackle shops and made for items they had forgotten in the rush to pack, to purchase day tickets, whilst the Irish popped into the post office for their rod licences.  

Clear bright skies and not a ripple on the water made fishing hard, though quite a number of pike were caught, ranging from jacks in the 5 to 6 lb class through to the best Pike of the day of just over 13 lbs. This was caught by British Team member Mark Groom from the far end of the drain. With most of the Irish opting to wear Neoprene waders throughout the day, they found the heat getting to them and there were some very sweaty anglers and stewards arriving back at the hotel. The day had also taken a toll on tackle, as Paul Higginson snapped a rod tip and I myself had a reel seat snap on a brand new Maver reel.

In the bar that evening, the tales of the day’s fishing were doing the rounds, and keeping pace with the flow of the Guinness and Cider were tales of the fish that had been caught and lost. The size of these pike were quickly growing in size to a leviathan size. Once again, the Northern Irish contingent of the Irish party firmly countered the traditional Irish quiet approach to an evening’s entertainment, and were quickly into full party mode. One thing for certain is that you can never keep Marty & Sam Lawlor quiet for long!

There were quite a few sore heads on the Saturday morning amongst both the British and Irish stewards, whilst the bulk of those anglers actually taking part had made a wise decision to at least attempt to get a reasonable amount of sleep before the exertions of the day’s competition. For those making their debuts, nerves were an ever present factor especially for one of the British team. Due to work commitments and the setting up of a new business venture, the British had lost a very good angler in Frank Scott who had to pull out just a week before the International, and had been replaced by 1st reserve Mark Lloyd. However this had not affected British spirits and after a last minute team briefing we were off to do battle. In the car park before departing, we went through the list of rules, checked scales for accuracy, applying + or – stickers where necessary, before handing out unhooking mats to every steward.

In convoy we set off for the venue start off point, which was to be at one of the bridges over the River Huntspill. After allowing time for the competitors and stewards to get themselves ready, Skip blew the whistle and we were off!  It

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