Penny leads anglers to world glory

The five-man England team of Steve Allmark (Deal), Ian Golds (Bedhamton), Darren Phillips (Andover), Paul Stevens (Worthing) and Bernard Westgarth (County Durham) never lost the lead as they saw off the challenge of 11 other countries from across Europe.

Fishing at the Chisel Beach venues of Preston, Ferrybridge and Cogden, on day one Westgarth finished fourth in zone A, Allmark first in zone B, Golds second in zone C, Phillips third in zone D and Stevens second in zone E to put England ahead of closest challengers Wales and Italy.

They maintained their advantage the following day as a result of Allmark winning zone A, Golds taking second in zone B, Phillips finishing first in zone C, Stevens coming 10th in zone D and Westgarth occupying ninth in zone E.

On day three Westgarth was second in zone A, Allmark fourth in zone B, Golds second in zone C, Phillips seventh in zone D and Stevens third in zone E.

On the final day England streaked away to an unassailable lead with Phillips finishing second in zone A, Stevens second in zone B, Westgarth first in zone C, Allmark first in zone D and Golds first in zone E.

Final placings: 1 England, 2 Germany, 3 Portugal. Top individual was Allmark with Golds runner-up.

Asked if he would manage the team for the 2005 championships in Italy, Penny, who is also vice-chairman of Andary Club in Pevensey Bay and organiser of the SAMF Masters Finals to be held at Eastbourne on November 19-20, said: "It was an honour to represent my country and I will continue to do so if re-elected."