It wasn't hard to pick this year's 'Junior Angler of the Year' National Angling Award winner. Her results in 2023 were on a par with, and in many instances well above, those with decades more angling experience. Step up to the plate, Lauren Stevens!
The 14-year-old from Telford enjoyed quite a year, taking her first steps on to the adult match scene and coming away with some stunning results.
Undoubtedly the highlight was finishing fourth in the 360-peg Division Two National on the Shropshire Union Canal, a result that many who have fished dozens of Nationals in their careers have never got close to realising. Lauren, however, did it on her first go!
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It got even better a few months later. Entering her first adult big-match qualifier at Barston Lakes, Lauren bagged one of the places in the Angling Trust Zero Fit Silverfish final, being joined there by the exalted company of Frankie Gianoncelli and some bloke called Alan Scotthorne.
At junior level the accolades poured in, with a lake win and individual fourth in the Junior National, second overall in the Canal & River Trust National Celebration event and a few frame places in practices for the Division Two event.
Lauren also fished in the Guru Match Academy and Talent Pathway programmes, made her debut in the Ladies National and even managed to squeeze in a trip to the England Ladies assessment day to have a taste of international fishing.
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She then bagged sponsorship deals with Matrix and Bait-Tech. Yes, it’s been quite a year!
“I’ve been match fishing since I was nine, and felt it was time to step up a level to get experience – I never expected to achieve what I have!” said a delighted Lauren. “At best, the year was going to be about learning in a completely different environment. It went very well.”
From beginning in Telford Juniors under the guidance of Bryn Lamb and Jon Portman (Lauren still fishes with them), she’s now keen to branch out, travelling with dad Ricky. She also has an eye on England honours with the Ladies team.
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“That’s one thing I want to do, when I’m old enough,” she explained. “The assessment day and the Talent Pathway at the start of the year were again all about experience, fishing in a totally different way with new baits. There’s a long way to go, but it’s something I’ve set my heart on.”
For now, though, it’s going to be more of the same with a busy 2024 ahead, including that Silverfish final in the New Year. Lauren won’t be fazed, though.
“I want to enjoy my fishing – the results aren’t as important as what I get out of it and the experience I get. I practise hard for events, but that’s part of the enjoyment for me,” she added.
HIGHLY COMMENDED - OLIVER ROBINSON
As if fishing in a Junior National wasn’t enough, in 2023 Oliver Robinson went on to take his place in one of the UK’s biggest matches just a few weeks later – the Fish O’Mania Final!
By winning the Junior event at Tunnel Barn Farm back in July, the 15-year-old from the West Midlands, fishing for Team Rammy, won through to the Fish O’ showpiece at Westwood Lakes, where he put in a fine performance against some of the best match anglers in the country. His appearance also made him the youngest angler to ever fish the final.
National glory came about thanks to a 72-kilo net of carp and F1sfrom the High Pool at Tunnel, putting him over 18 kilos in front of his closest challenger and helping his team to take the silver medal.
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