KEITH PEEL Young anglers from Norfolk did the county proud in a national competition. Harleston Junior Angling Club took the silver medals in the National Junior Angling Association's annual championships.

KEITH PEEL

Young anglers from Norfolk did the county proud in a national competition. Harleston Junior Angling Club took the silver medals in the National Junior Angling Association's annual championships. King's Lynn JAC were just one point behind in third place, taking the bronze medals. The event, which attracts the top junior teams from all over the country, was hosted by Reading Angling Club and fished on the River Thames. Harleston dug deep to produce an excellent team performance on a hard day, when fish were at a premium. Club champion Edward Howman continued his winning streak, heading the section with 1kg 150g of small dace and bleak on the waggler.

A solid performance on the pole from Jack Weatherley saw him finish second in section, while Daniel Elliott and Rob King recorded section thirds, and Philip Shulver recorded six points.

Jimmy Collings found himself the unlikely hero after landing just one tiny 20-gram roach in the dying seconds to avoid a dry net and big penalty points. This one roach was enough to catapult Harleston from sixth place to silver medalists with 23 penalty points, nine points behind runaway winners Farnborough.

Not only did Lynn land bronze medals on the team front, but Danny Collins earned a bronze medal in the individual stakes.

A quality display of pole fishing from captain Kayleigh Williams, one of three girls in their squad, won the top girl award, while Sophie Williams took the youngest competitor trophy to cap off a good day for the cub.

Both clubs will be looking to strengthen their squads for the coming season. Anyone interested can contact Lynn via Robbie Williams on 01553 766948, or Harleston Juniors via Nigel Poll on 01379 853571.

Harleston Juniors have a junior open on Saturday at Weybread Ocean Pit . Call Poll for details.