Kyle Courtney, Scotland’s captain for next week’s Home Nations Stillwater International, said the six-strong team have a simple game plan: “Build information as a team, plan and execute.”
The Drongan-based skipper is joined by another Ayrshire angler, Kevin Andrews (Kilmarnock) plus Scott Mudie (Kirkcaldy), Peter Cowie from Stewartfield, Aberdeenshire, and Scott Reith also from Aberdeenshire, plus Ronnie Coupar (Stirlingshire).
The team runner and reserve is Dundee-based Lee Anderson with Robert McLay from Wishaw is team manager.
The Tartan Team are leaving nothing to chance and have recruited a team fly tyer in Scott Mitchell from Edinburgh and Courtney said spirits are high for the match at Foxhill Fly Fishery in Pembrokeshire, South Wales.
Courtney, who was in the team which lifted gold at New Haylie near Largs several years ago, said: “Since the team was formed in April at Millhall Trout Fishery near Polmont, our main focus has been fund raising for our trip.
“We have also product tested, made transport arrangements and developed new partnerships and sponsorships with businesses and brand names to work closely and support the Scottish team for this year and many more to come.
“We are greatly-appreciative of the continued support from businesses such as Flybox UK and FASNA who have become official partners of the international team.”
Courtney said the team consists of experienced anglers with the addition of three new caps, Ronnie Couper, Scott Reith, who has been a loch-style international, and Scott Mudie.
He added: “Although new caps, they are no strangers to the competition scene and are all excellent anglers. To a man each individuals commitment this year has been second to none.”
On his appointment as captain, The Ayrshire angler said: “I am proud to have been selected to lead the team this year. The mood is good, spirits are high and I am confident we will achieve our objective which is to bring back gold.”
The team travel on Saturday, October 17 and the match is on Wednesday, October 21 and Courtney said: “Our schedule is two official practice days with a rest day on Tuesday, October 20, and on to the match.”
CAPTURED: Kyle Courtney with a fine trout ahead of next week’s international. Picture courtesy of Kyle Courtney
FLASHBACK: Scotland’s gold medal winning team at New Haylie. Picture Nigel Duncan
TOP MEN: Scott Mudie (Kirkcaldy) with the Scottish Stillwater trophy pictured after the final at Millhall Trout Fishery at Polmont. Picture courtesy of Kyle Courtney.
