The fourth Wales Air Ambulance Open Beach Fishing Competition, organised by Pembroke and District Angling Club, Osprey Sea Angling Club and West Wales Match Anglers, was held at Amroth beach on Sunday. Unlike previous years, the weather was horrendous, starting off with rough seas and quite a stiff onshore wind, but raining and blowing a force eight gale, as forecast, by the time the final whistle went in the afternoon These conditions were almost certainly the reason entries were limited to 79 anglers, but among them were nine juniors and two ladies, who are thanked for their support, considering the number of regular faces and members of local clubs that did not turn up. Indeed, it was disappointing that some local clubs held their own matches on the same day. Despite these points against, 17 anglers managed to weigh in 43 of the only fish eligible in this heaviest bag competition, flounders up to a weight of 615gms or 1lb 51/2oz in old money! This was caught by a Haverfordwest rod Andrew Jenkins, from West Wales Match Anglers, landing him the pool prize for the heaviest fish caught. Quite a number of the local anglers also caught, mostly an average single fish, though Milford Haven rod Malcolm Grenish, also from West Wales Match Anglers, had three, but they did not weigh in as there were only three prizes and five anglers had already weighed in more than three fish. Winner with four fish for 1kg 820gms was Pembroke and District and Osprey member, Paul Gammer, of Pembroke Dock, just shading the aforementioned Andrew, who also had four fish, but for 1kg 705gms, into second place by 115gms. In third place was Richard Declaire, all the way from Penarth, who managed to winkle out more fish than the first two, i.e. five, but for only 1kg 505gms, as most were just above the minimum size of 25cms. Thanks for your support Richard and all those who travelled from away to take part in the fourth annual running of this event. In the ladies' section, only one lady, Hilary Harris, caught, but she had three fish for 1kg 250gms, giving her the ladies' prize. In the hotly contested junior section, three of these intrepid youngsters managed to land and record eight fish between them, no mean feat indeed. First by the narrowest of margins, with three fish for 1kg 170gms, was Ben Cook, whose catch weight was only 10 grams greater than second placed Leigh Jamieson, who also had three fish, but for 1kg 160gms. In third place, with two fish for 840gms, was Kaleb Roberts. All had prizes. The pairs competition was won by the already mentioned pair of Andrew Jenkins and Leigh Jamieson, with 2kg 865gms, from the scratch pairing of Richard Declaire and Phil McCarthy, with 2kg 415gms. So you see, it can pay to put your name forward for these side tables, even if you appear to have no one with whom to pair up. Finally, thanks go to the stewards for their help in signing in fish on the beach. The prize draw was won by Mark Peacock. However, the most important result on the day was that the event raised £1,400 for the Wales Air Ambulance, making a total of £4,900 over the four years this competition has been going. To thank for this sterling effort, congratulations must first go to the anglers from the organising clubs - you know who you are - together with Roger Harris, of the Amroth Arms, who always puts his premises and valued support at the event's disposal. Also mention must be made of local Air Ambulance contact Peter Kraus and volunteer Pauline and her mates for their attendance and manning of the Wales Air Ambulance trailer on the day. Lastly, thanks must go to all the kind and generous sponsors, who donated cash, made collections and donated prizes for the mega raffle, which ensured continuation of the event's great success. These, in no particular order, were Lillian Griffiths, who also helped with the raffle, and the staff of the Withybush Operating Theatres; Preseli Construction; Heatherton Country Sports Park; Roger Harris; Peter Kraus; PMS Autos; Phoenix Bowl; Consort; Allsorts; Pembroke Angling; Natural Foods; Angler's Corner; Sportsfishing International; Main Street Pembroke Petrol Station; Trevor's Electrical; T.V. Reynolds; John Cole Amusements; Pembroke and District Angling Club; West Wales Match Anglers; Osprey Sea Angling Club; Pembroke Haven Motor Boat Angling Club; Haven Angling Group; Paul Wakely; Steve Davies; Barry Lake; Alex Nicholas; Andrew Skeels; Leigh Rogers; John O'Connor; Malcolm Grenish; Haydn Cole; and Shane Tucker. If anyone feels aggrieved that they have been missed off this list, we are truly sorry but thank you most warmly for your continued support.