ANGLING: Stan’s the man for medals after starring in the World Veteran Championships
Stan Binge shows off his honours outside his Stanjay Sports and Trophies shop in Godmanchester. Picture: JOHN STRIDE - Credit: Archant
Godmanchester angler Stan Binge starred on the international stage recently.
Binge collected individual silver and team bronze when representing the England Over 65 side in the 11th World Veteran Championships in Croatia.
Binge excelled in sweltering 30-plus temperatures at the Lake Selnica venue as he triumphed in his section on both days of competition.
He was pipped to glory by Italian angler Roberto Torri on weight countback. The England side also missed out on silver on coutback by the Italian team in an event which attracted 18 countries.
Binge, who owns the Stanjay Sports and Trophies shop, said: “I’ve fished twice before in World Championship events in Belgium and Italy, and it was an honour to represent England again after doing well in the trial events.
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“I’d have been grateful to come back with one medal, so to win two of them is great.
“I was very pleased with the way I fished to win my section on both days. I caught close to 14kg of fish on the first day and almost 18kg on the second day, but the Italian angler beat me fair and square by 3kg on countback for the gold medal.
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“It’s definitely the highlight of my angling career.”
Binge certainly took the long route to success. The England side made the marathon trip to Croatia by road – and it didn’t exactly go to plan.
“It is roughly 1,200 miles to Croatia, but we ended up going 400 miles out of our way!” added Binge.
“Our lead vehicle opted for the shortest route without using toll road and it took us right across the Alps.
“It was very scenic and travelling was all worthwhile as the event could not have been any better organised.
“They spent hundreds of thousands of pounds to make it a success and we were all treated superbly.”
Binge took up an angling at the age of 35 after his football career – which includes stints as player-manager of Huntingdon United and player-coach of Eynesbury Rovers – wound down.
Binge also played first-team cricket for Huntingdon and Godmanchester in his younger days and was a county superleague darts player. He is also an accomplished table tennis performer.
