The Kilmarnock, Ayrshire-based angler finished with 18 trout – the longest being 50cm – for 18,540 fish points and six placing points with England fisherman, Tony Baldwin, runner-up with 17 fish and 17,620 points.

Third was Welshman, Hywell Morgan, a well-known face on YouTube and a former world fly casting champion, who demonstrates his skill world-wide, with 15 fish for 15,600 points. Baldwin and Morgan both had seven place points.

Scotland’s Ronnie Couper (Stirlingshire) was 11^th with seven fish for 7,340 points and 26 placing points with Scott Reith (Aberdeenshire) one place behind him. Reith netted eight fish, including the joint second best of 52cm, for 8,480 fish points and 27 place points.

Fife angler, Scott Mudie, finished in 14^th position with eight fish for 8,300 fish points plus 28 placing points and he hooked into the second longest fish, a 56cm specimen, one centimetre behind the top catch at 57cm by Welshman, Jeremy Wadley.

Peter Cowie (Aberdeenshire) was 19^th with four fish for 4,060 fish points and 31 placing points.

Scotland captain, Kyle Courtney (Ayrshire), fell ill two days before the match and his place was taken by Lee Anderson (Dundee) who travelled as team runner and reserve but tempted six fish for 6,000 fish points and 31 placing points.

England won with total place points of 109 and 77 fish with Scotland runners-up with 149 place points and 51 fish. Wales were third on 156 place points and they hooked 48 fish while Ireland were fourth with 182 place points and 41 fish.

The team was managed by Robert McLay (Wishaw) and Courtney praised England for their performance in tricky conditions.

The Drongan-based fisherman (pictured) said: “That’s a wrap for another year. Unfortunately, we’re bringing a silver medal home and not gold, however the lads dug deep on a challenging day.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t make the match day (on Wednesday) having fallen ill on Monday night so a big thanks to Lee for stepping-up and taking my place.

“Well done to Kev (Andrews) taking overall top rod, solid as always.”

Courtney added: “Despite being gutted, I was privileged to captain these lads through our practice days. A great bunch and they can hold their heads high.”