THE younger generation shone in an inaugural juniors versus seniors challenge match at the New Earswick Nature Reserve Angling Open Day, writes Mark Smith.

The three-hour challenge, the idea of one of the New Earswick Junior Angling Club members, will be fished annually for a trophy that has been presented in the memory of those who contributed to the formation of the club.

All of the junior team contributed to their winning weight of 39lb 10oz at the open day, hosted by New Earswick Angling Club and New Earswick Junior Angling Club.

The largest weight caught was 22lb 14oz by Tom Carling, a founder member of the junior club.

Other major contributors were Max Renshaw, with 6lb 8oz, and Archie Bond, with 6lb 4oz.

The team also included captain Luke Bond and Bethany Hunter.

The senior team only managed a total of 21lb 13oz in reply, with Tom Smith contributing 12lb 4oz.

In a separate taster angling event, prizes were won by Lewis Barker and Ethan McRory for catching the most fish in ten minutes.

Coaching courses are run every year by the Junior Angling Club with successful applicants invited to become members.

As part of the open day, Tyler Simpson, Lewis Barker, TJ Craven, Matt Hall, Luke Craven and Ethan Smith all received their awards from club president Malcolm Smith.

The courses are run by licensed angling coaches who are all volunteers at the club, which recently gained Clubmark accreditation from the Angling Trust.

Further information about New Earswick Junior Angling Club is available by emailing newearswickac@yahoo.co.uk or by phoning Mike Longhurst on 01904 430815 (evenings).

On Tuesday, August 28, there will be a New Earswick junior training session at Rawcliffe Lake.