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SHETLAND WIN 2010 INTERCOUNTY FLY FISHING

 

2010 Orkney and Shetland Intercounty teams

Orkney’s inter-county team were greeted by their fellow Shetland competitors at the ferry on Sunday morning with the riveting news that Tingwall had “gone off”. For those familiar with Shetland’s premier boat fishing competition venue, Tingwall during daytime hours in June is never really “on” at the best of times so “off” was very likely to ensure a seriously hard slog for both teams.

The event kicked off around 10.00 am, with a nice north easterly breeze and a good hatch of Olives particularly in the North Loch, and all boats starting there at the top of the wind. Most anglers were set up with fast sinking lines and mini lures, with a fair number of blue DI5s to be seen on the Shetland rods, and enough white cats to constitute a prolific hatch. At the lunchtime break, it was looking like being a very close contest and by the end of the day Orkney were in the lead by a mere 4 oz and two fish under. Top rod on day one was charismatic Irishman, Josh Brush who excelled with 10 fish for 6 lb 8.5 oz which was by far the best basket on the day and more than compensated for blanks from two of his teammates. Orkney put in a steady performance, with no blanks but nothing outstanding either.

On Sunday night, the teams were wined and dined courtesy of the Shetland Anglers Association and thanks must go to SAA Secretary, Alec Miller for once again excelling in his organisational skills and ensuring the best of hospitality. All complied with tradition by retiring to the club for a few light beverages.

Day two saw a bit more in the way of sunshine plus a touch more wind albeit more or less in the same direction, and a good sprinkling of Olives. Again, boats started in the North Loch and most remained there all day. And it was hard!! By lunchtime, it remained close, with Shetland at a one fish advantage for the day and a suspicion that weight was also on Shetland’s side. The final post lunch leg was a real squeaky bum affair. All boats headed north and in no time at all, big Josh’s rod was bending. Minutes later, Josh was in again and with nothing to show by Orkney in response, things were starting to look pretty good for the Shelties. Then it was Steven Breivik’s turn to clatter out a couple, including a weighty specimen, after which Orkney heads sunk in the realisation that it was game over. Peter Laurenson added a last minute brace to the host county’s bag, and the Norski Lad himself another. The weigh in, which did not take long, proved a decisive victory for Shetland, the first since 2004 and decidedly well deserved.  
 
The final result over the two days was as follows:

Orkney:  18 fish for 13 lb 7.5oz.

Shetland: 28 fish for 18 lb 12.5 oz

Best basket overall: J.Brush 12 fish for 7 lb 10.5 oz

Best Orkney basket overall: I.Hutcheon 6 fish for 3 lb 13.5 oz

Heaviest fish: A.Morgan, 1 lb 6.5 oz