Baiting up with confidence
This is an exciting week for our local anglers. The U21 and U16 boys are contesting the national angling championships in Mtunzini, while the women’s team has made the long trek down to Mossel Bay for theirs. All three competitions started on Wednesday and culminate on Friday with their prize-givings. Manager of the U21s, France Chretien, is optimistic about his team’s chances.‘We are at home, with favourable conditions and clean water.‘We are hoping for a Diamond smash (to get among a shoal of Diamond Rays to boost weight points).‘There are Pampoen around and the odd Honeycomb, shark and Sand Shark.’ A total of 106 anglers from 12 provincials will compete in four areas for a chance to impress the selectors of the Protea, National and Presidents teams. These teams will be announced at prize giving at the Mtunzini Country Club on Friday night.
Women
If France is optimistic about the U21s’ chances, the manager of the women’s angling team, Julian Pybus, is brimming with confidence that the top prize is theirs for the taking. ‘We are definitely the favourites. ‘Last year we finished a close second to Western Province, but we are the most competent team. ‘All our anglers are capable and fish regularly.’
The conditions in Mosselbay are a bit trickier with a strong South-Westerly, overcast skies and a big swell reported on Tuesday.
Weather and sea conditions should be improving, however, over the next few days of the competition.
Here’s hoping our anglers take advantage of their status as favourites and return with the silverware.
The teams are:
Women
Heather Tiltmann (captain), Janien Hughes, Liezel Steenkamp, Nicky Periera, Maryna Prinsloo, Liezel van Duyker, Dalene Swart (manager) and Julian Pybus (coach)
U21s
Justin Carroll, William Swift, Chad Engelbrecht (reserve), Lanton Rossouw, Brendon Andrews, Carl-Lyle Young, Carl Nel, France Chretien (manager) and Tim Dunk (coach)
U16s
Dario Temperilli, Blyde Blignaut, Chris Visagie, Duvan Steenkamp, Phil Andrews (manager) and Barry Tedder (coach).