STEVEN Rathbone collected the silver medal in the individual section of the World Junior Shore Angling Championships in Portugal.

The West Bay Sea Angling Club member, who struck gold in the same classification two years ago, again found himself gracing the rostrum thanks to a 72-fish haul.

Rathbone’s exploits emphasised his potential as a future star and he also spearheaded England’s bid for gold in the team category, which produced an exceptionally tight finish.

After the four matches, three teams were tied for first position with 13 points, only for the young England lions to lose out on countback to Italy and settle for silver.

Spain took home the bronze medal, with France getting the nod over hosts Portugal for fourth place as just one point separated the top five nations.

The England line-up consisted of Rathbone (West Bay), Callum Graham (Bournemouth), Daniel Stote (Lymington), Michael Dawkins (Lymington) and David Morris (Deal).

Along with manager Chris Clark and assistant Andrew Dawkins, the team would like to thank Tronixpro, Fox International, Ian Houlton of Moonfleet Angling Supplies and Kamasan.

* OLIVER Mears captured the Fred Tolley Memorial Trophy, the first Saturday junior match of the year to which nine competitors signed up at East Pier.

Only four juniors managed to tempt fish to be weighed-in – mainly flounder – but one sea scorpion and one plaice were also caught. All the fish went back alive after being weighed.

If anybody would like to fish the Saturday junior matches, you will have needed to be under 17-years-old on January 1 of this year.

You may fish two matches as a guest upon payment of the £1 entry fee but if after that you wish to fish more matches, you will need to join the club.

Forms are available from the Angling Centre, West Bay, or via the club secretary on 01308 421272.

RESULTS Overall: 1 Oliver Mears, 190g; 2 Ellis McCullough, 64g; 3 Jake Preston, 37g. Heaviest flat fish: Oliver Mears, flounder 90g.

Heaviest round fish: Oliver Mears, sea scorpion 39g.

First fish: Shaun Taylor, flounder 36g.