Mark Downes gives MA.com an interview directly after day one's
Not long to go now!
Italian 'icon' Ferruccio Gabba would epitomise his country's poor showing on day one with a miserable 30th positon in section D. He would make way for team mate Stefano Bosi on day two who could only manage a 15th place in section E. Italian 'icon' Ferruccio Gabba would epitomise his country's poor showing on day one with a miserable 30th positon in section D. He would make way for team mate Stefano Bosi on day two who could only manage a 15th place in section E.
Jose Calado, one of Portugal's great anglers, gets stuck into preparing his kit... and he does have a lot of kit, as you can see! Portugal had an even worse day one than Italy, finishing with 99pts, way below what they must have expected. Day two saw them produce a complete turnaround with 52pts for a third on the day, one point in front of England! Jose had a much better day two in C section, posting 4.940kg for a 6th in section. Jose Calado, one of Portugal's great anglers, gets stuck into preparing his kit... and he does have a lot of kit, as you can see! Portugal had an even worse day one than Italy, finishing with 99pts, way below what they must have expected. Day two saw them produce a complete turnaround with 52pts for a third on the day, one point in front of England! Jose had a much better day two in C section, posting 4.940kg for a 6th in section.
Didier Delannoy checks pole alignment as he plumbs up on C section's peg 12. It looked as though this peg was in a far from easy part of the section, judging by Poland's Zbigniew Milewski's following day 2.290kg. Didier did managed to 'winkle' out a bit more than Zbigniew on the first day for his 15th in section placing though. Didier Delannoy checks pole alignment as he plumbs up on C section's peg 12. It looked as though this peg was in a far from easy part of the section, judging by Poland's Zbigniew Milewski's following day 2.290kg. Didier did managed to 'winkle' out a bit more than Zbigniew on the first day for his 15th in section placing though.
Hungary were another team who fell foul of a poor day one showing. Their Benedek Nagy on C10 was typical of the teams initial downbeat performance. But Hungary didn't lie down on day two. They stormed back with a superb 57pts to gain a respectable 5th place overall. Hungary were another team who fell foul of a poor day one showing. Their Benedek Nagy on C10 was typical of the teams initial downbeat performance. But Hungary didn't lie down on day two. They stormed back with a superb 57pts to gain a respectable 5th place overall.
Sweden's day one results was a fantastic boost for them. Here Calle Roslin gives an assured thumbs up alongside one their teams official coaches, Fredrik �The Swede� Andersson. Calle took 3.060kg from C9 for his team, gaining 16pts on a day which Sweden will look back on with pride... a fourth placing on day one, due in no small part to our own MA Plus member Andreas Sandberg, who posted a sensational section A win. Unfortunately Sweden's wheels 'fell off the trolley' on day two as they slumped to a final overall position of 14th. However, Sweden can be rightly... Sweden's day one results was a fantastic boost for them. Here Calle Roslin gives an assured thumbs up alongside one their teams official coaches, Fredrik �The Swede� Andersson. Calle took 3.060kg from C9 for his team, gaining 16pts on a day which Sweden will look back on with pride... a fourth placing on day one, due in no small part to our own MA Plus member Andreas Sandberg, who posted a sensational section A win. Unfortunately Sweden's wheels 'fell off the trolley' on day two as they slumped to a final overall position of 14th. However, Sweden can be rightly...
Roberto Trabucco was one of the Championships major sponsors and had various signs and these flags positioned all over the place. It did add to the events 'air' of professionalism! Roberto Trabucco was one of the Championships major sponsors and had various signs and these flags positioned all over the place. It did add to the events 'air' of professionalism!
Poland's Zbigniew Milewski caught in the middle of 'cannonball' production on B30. Milewski carried that poor result into day two, posting an even worse score of 22.5pts, just like his team did! The European silver medallists had not reached anywhere near their potential during this year's Champs and one hopes they'll bounce back in Slovenia and Holland next year. Poland's Zbigniew Milewski caught in the middle of 'cannonball' production on B30. Milewski carried that poor result into day two, posting an even worse score of 22.5pts, just like his team did! The European silver medallists had not reached anywhere near their potential during this year's Champs and one hopes they'll bounce back in Slovenia and Holland next year.
Gianluigi Sorti checks where his catapulted ball landed during day one's pre-baiting period. It was a line he didn't bother using as it would have meant losing ground to next door Will Raison. Gianluigi Sorti checks where his catapulted ball landed during day one's pre-baiting period. It was a line he didn't bother using as it would have meant losing ground to next door Will Raison.
Will Raison is about to finish off his long line feeding with some stickymag balls and the camera's are already upon him! They would not not be letting him out of their sight on both days! Will Raison is about to finish off his long line feeding with some stickymag balls and the camera's are already upon him! They would not not be letting him out of their sight on both days!
A visit to Italy would not be complete with the inclusion of some stunning Italian scenery! More can be seen on day one's weigh in on B section! Here we have an italian camera crew, for whatever channel. They certainly put Sky's team in the shade... sorry Fordy! A visit to Italy would not be complete with the inclusion of some stunning Italian scenery! More can be seen on day one's weigh in on B section! Here we have an italian camera crew, for whatever channel. They certainly put Sky's team in the shade... sorry Fordy!
The two hours leading up to the 'OFF' allows competitors and various other elements (especially Press) to walk along and see just how things are 'shaping up', like who's who and where they are. during this preliminary period, it's a time of concentration and application for many of these competitors and an ideal opportunity to gather some informal shots of various people, before the intense period of contest begins. Here we offer this brief slideshow as an introduction to what will ultimately become, one of the finest Championships of modern times.
It's quite difficult to describe being on the bank and watching world class anglers in a Championship event to all of our many visitors, both here in the UK and globally. It's not like anything many of them will ever witness, and certainly bears no comparison to the normal commercial matches up and down the UK each weekend. I can however, thoroughly recommend you try to attend one of them at some point in your life!
It's just after 10:30:08 and William on B18 is waiting for the off (firecracker). There is a massive crowd congregated behind pegs 18 and 19, which overlaps behinds the next pegs (17 and 20). Our timed 30 minutes will run from 10:30:10. It's just after 10:30:08 and William on B18 is waiting for the off (firecracker). There is a massive crowd congregated behind pegs 18 and 19, which overlaps behinds the next pegs (17 and 20). Our timed 30 minutes will run from 10:30:10.
10:32:10 - William strikes into, and loses almost immediately, his first fish of the day. A mummuring rises from the crowd. Sorti on B19 has one on at the same time 10:32:10 - William strikes into, and loses almost immediately, his first fish of the day. A mummuring rises from the crowd. Sorti on B19 has one on at the same time
10:32:34 - Sorti plays his fish towards his net 10:32:34 - Sorti plays his fish towards his net
10:32:35 - Sorti safely nets his fish and the crowd busts into life behind him 10:32:35 - Sorti safely nets his fish and the crowd busts into life behind him
10:33:58 - Germany's Rene Bredereck on B21 hooks into a fish 10:33:58 - Germany's Rene Bredereck on B21 hooks into a fish
10:34:06 - It's obviously a reasonable fish judging by the amount of elastic it's stripping out 10:34:06 - It's obviously a reasonable fish judging by the amount of elastic it's stripping out
10:35:01 - Rene safely nets the fish. There's some spasmodic applause from the part of the crowd that is closest to Rene 10:35:01 - Rene safely nets the fish. There's some spasmodic applause from the part of the crowd that is closest to Rene
10:36:02 - Sweden's Bjorn Carlstrom, on B24, now latches into something decent as well 10:36:02 - Sweden's Bjorn Carlstrom, on B24, now latches into something decent as well
10:28:40 - Sorti's got another fish on 10:28:40 - Sorti's got another fish on
10:39:30 - but he needs to be a little more careful with this one 10:39:30 - but he needs to be a little more careful with this one
10:40:02 - he gradually gets it under control ready for netting 10:40:02 - he gradually gets it under control ready for netting
10:40:04 - It's safely scooped up in the net and the crowd once more make their feeling known! 10:40:04 - It's safely scooped up in the net and the crowd once more make their feeling known!
10:40:10 - a nice carp of around 1.5kg 10:40:10 - a nice carp of around 1.5kg
10:40:18 - is safely placed in the keepnet 10:40:18 - is safely placed in the keepnet
10:41:25 - Back to Bjorn Carlstrom playing that fish 10:41:25 - Back to Bjorn Carlstrom playing that fish
10:43:10 - Bjorn stands to get a better position as the fish is steered gradually closer to his net 10:43:10 - Bjorn stands to get a better position as the fish is steered gradually closer to his net
10:44:14 - It's on the surface now and just about ready to slip the net under it 10:44:14 - It's on the surface now and just about ready to slip the net under it
10:44:19 - And in it pops! There's a couple of people watching and they give appreciative applause 10:44:19 - And in it pops! There's a couple of people watching and they give appreciative applause
10:44:29 - A nice conditioned carp of around one and quarter kilo 10:44:29 - A nice conditioned carp of around one and quarter kilo
10:44:46 - Bjorn is now on the way to a final 5,090kg weight by the end of the match 10:44:46 - Bjorn is now on the way to a final 5,090kg weight by the end of the match
10:45:00 - It's a slow start for Will after that initial 'bumped' fish 10:45:00 - It's a slow start for Will after that initial 'bumped' fish
10:50:43 - Serbia's Vladimir Danilovic on 16 gets ready to net one of the few fish he caught in his final 3.740kg 10:50:43 - Serbia's Vladimir Danilovic on 16 gets ready to net one of the few fish he caught in his final 3.740kg
10:50:50 - Vladimir dips the net safely under the fish and the odd clap is discernable! Sorti would take nearly 11 kilos from this peg the following day. 10:50:50 - Vladimir dips the net safely under the fish and the odd clap is discernable! Sorti would take nearly 11 kilos from this peg the following day.
10:54:34 - William has just struck into a proper fish 10:54:34 - William has just struck into a proper fish
10:55:13 - And he wastes no time in getting it under control 10:55:13 - And he wastes no time in getting it under control
10:55:37 - and scoops it safely into his long handled landing net, which every competitor used on the high banks of the channel. They crowd, surprisingly, give him a most generous applause. It would be a trademark of these Championships that the home crowds' would treat any competitors skill in landing a good fish with the same courtesy and appreciation as one of their own anglers (maybe not as loud though!!!) 10:55:37 - and scoops it safely into his long handled landing net, which every competitor used on the high banks of the channel. They crowd, surprisingly, give him a most generous applause. It would be a trademark of these Championships that the home crowds' would treat any competitors skill in landing a good fish with the same courtesy and appreciation as one of their own anglers (maybe not as loud though!!!)
10:55:39 - Gianluigi has a quick look over to Will to see how big it was 10:55:39 - Gianluigi has a quick look over to Will to see how big it was
10:55:50 - About a three-quarters of kilo Gianluigi!! 10:55:50 - About a three-quarters of kilo Gianluigi!!
11:00:03 - Within a few minutes Will lifts into another fish 11:00:03 - Within a few minutes Will lifts into another fish
10:00:08 - As the camera's shot timer reaches the end of the 30 minute cycle we can tell you from the following frames we shot, that Will netted the fish, a carp of nearly 2 kilos, safely at 11:04:28 to great applause! 10:00:08 - As the camera's shot timer reaches the end of the 30 minute cycle we can tell you from the following frames we shot, that Will netted the fish, a carp of nearly 2 kilos, safely at 11:04:28 to great applause!
So, in the meantime, to enable you to get some sort of dimension and flavour of the initial moment of an event, we've made this particular slideshow cover the first 30 minutes, after the start on Saturday, with the aid of our camera's in-built timer, which dates and times every shot taken on it, it shows the action, timed when it actually happened. The time is detailed as 10 (is hour):30 (is minutes):10 (is seconds)
There are two flash slideshows below, which illustrate what a competitor can be faced with during the three hours of competition. We in the UK are use to 5 hours fishing, with time at the end to land any decent fish. International matches have no such luxury. In three hours a competitor has to get it right, FIRST TIME, because 3 hours does not give him opportunity to reverse any mistakes in approach he may have made prior. Fish also need to be landed quickly to maximise a baits' every second in the water. There is NO time allowed to land a fish, once the final signal goes... if it isn't in the net clear then it's disqualifed... it's that simple!
These slideshows amply demonstrate two of the main issues. First , we show Italy's Gianluigi Sorti land a good fish in under two and a half minutes. This was representative of both the Italian and his English counterpart Will Raison. Tackle and nerve is tested to the limit with this approach for a competitor cannot afford to lose valuable time, while a fish gives him the 'runaround'!
Our second slideshow shows what happens when the 3 hours is nearly up and you have a fish on the other end of your line! Mind you, it does help to have someone nearby with a stop watch which has been set from the final 5 minute signal!
William's fish playing techniques'
Many around Will Raison's home area will be familiar with his style of playing fish, in particular carp. With fish between 1lb and 'doubles' Will has developed a technique of playing carp over many years of catching in fish-filled fisheries, like his own Gold Valley. It is both quick and effective and under match conditions, saves valuable time when you're on a 'shedful'... at least for him!
The fish makes an initial dash, so Will eases out more pole while keeping a low profile. The fish makes an initial dash, so Will eases out more pole while keeping a low profile.
Will hangs on at maximum pole length as the fish surges away. Will hangs on at maximum pole length as the fish surges away.
Will gradually and quietly eases the fish towards the bank, while he slowly ships the pole back. Will gradually and quietly eases the fish towards the bank, while he slowly ships the pole back.
A tiring fish is played out on the top four sections, allowing Will to stand and get more pressure on. A tiring fish is played out on the top four sections, allowing Will to stand and get more pressure on.
The middle stages of a struggle see Will with more sections out, giving him options to place the pole in a more advantages position, thereby allowing him some latitude should the fish do anything sudden. The middle stages of a struggle see Will with more sections out, giving him options to place the pole in a more advantages position, thereby allowing him some latitude should the fish do anything sudden.
Will needs to apply more pressure as the fish trys to swim out of the 'zone'. The extra sections of pole means he can raise or drop it to apply more, or less pressure. Will needs to apply more pressure as the fish trys to swim out of the 'zone'. The extra sections of pole means he can raise or drop it to apply more, or less pressure.
The extra sections also mean that if a fish suddenly darts for the nearside bank, the pole can be raised quickly to keep sufficient tension on the elastic. The extra sections also mean that if a fish suddenly darts for the nearside bank, the pole can be raised quickly to keep sufficient tension on the elastic.
Once the fish is under control, the pole can be gradually shipped back. Once the fish is under control, the pole can be gradually shipped back.
Power control. Both pole and elastic are put to the test, as a fish comes closer. The shorter pole section means Will can apply extra pressure to subdue the fish ready for netting. Power control. Both pole and elastic are put to the test, as a fish comes closer. The shorter pole section means Will can apply extra pressure to subdue the fish ready for netting.
The following shots are not a 'blueprint' of playing a fish, they are
merely a graphic description of how Will Raison feels he needs to
control any particular fish which he hooks, under certain conditions. They are not all of the same fish!
A bait tray pretty much representative of what every competitor used. Main groundbait with caster, corn and maggot. Leamed up joker and stickymag. A bait tray pretty much representative of what every competitor used. Main groundbait with caster, corn and maggot. Leamed up joker and stickymag.
Denmark's Peter Larsen had a great day one. Peter was peg 3 in the 'hot zone' and took 6,210kg to the scales for 5pts. His team also had a good day with a 10th place finish, unfortunately it didn't last and they eventually slumped to 22nd overall by the end of the tournament. Denmark's Peter Larsen had a great day one. Peter was peg 3 in the 'hot zone' and took 6,210kg to the scales for 5pts. His team also had a good day with a 10th place finish, unfortunately it didn't last and they eventually slumped to 22nd overall by the end of the tournament.
Des Shipp watches the scales carefully as they set at 7,450kg. This put him an agonisingly close 110gr behind eventually D section winner, Hans Slegers. Des Shipp watches the scales carefully as they set at 7,450kg. This put him an agonisingly close 110gr behind eventually D section winner, Hans Slegers.
Slovenia's Robi Bacic shows off this near 2 kilo zander, which helped him to 9th in D section with a total weight of 5,430kg. Slovenia's Robi Bacic shows off this near 2 kilo zander, which helped him to 9th in D section with a total weight of 5,430kg.
Hungary's 'finest', Tamas Walter with his 3,200kg from D sections peg 31, a peg which would supply the next days bottom weight! Hungary's 'finest', Tamas Walter with his 3,200kg from D sections peg 31, a peg which would supply the next days bottom weight!
England's Steve Gardener with a catch that nearly wasn't! Fortunes are sometimes made by the simplest decisions and you can't get much simpler than fishing close in. Steve performance in pulling this 7,510kg net 'out of the hat' for a 3rd in section was described by his manager Mark Downes, as "the most remarkable performance of the day, considering the way the section was going". Remarkable it was, because Steve was lying around 30th position! England's Steve Gardener with a catch that nearly wasn't! Fortunes are sometimes made by the simplest decisions and you can't get much simpler than fishing close in. Steve performance in pulling this 7,510kg net 'out of the hat' for a 3rd in section was described by his manager Mark Downes, as "the most remarkable performance of the day, considering the way the section was going". Remarkable it was, because Steve was lying around 30th position!
Welshman Andrew 'Spud' Murphy with his day one 2,440kg catch, which earned him just 22pts in a section D which was dominated by Belgium's Hans Slegers and England's Des Shipp. Welshman Andrew 'Spud' Murphy with his day one 2,440kg catch, which earned him just 22pts in a section D which was dominated by Belgium's Hans Slegers and England's Des Shipp.
French team captian Henri Durozzier, along with Diego Da Silva, look at some of the scores after day one and wonder what went wrong. Skimmers I think! French team captian Henri Durozzier, along with Diego Da Silva, look at some of the scores after day one and wonder what went wrong. Skimmers I think!
Two of South Africa's runners look at their rough scores and probably can't quite believe their eyes. They'll come back to reality the next day, but on this day, they will have something to savour for many years to come. Two of South Africa's runners look at their rough scores and probably can't quite believe their eyes. They'll come back to reality the next day, but on this day, they will have something to savour for many years to come.
The weigh-ins were a very prolonged affair as officials conducted the 37 separate weighs, with professionalism. There were other interesting views on offer while we waited for them to complete their tasks! The weigh-ins were a very prolonged affair as officials conducted the 37 separate weighs, with professionalism. There were other interesting views on offer while we waited for them to complete their tasks!
Hungary's Balazs Csoregi is the first main contender to weigh-in in the section and it will be the start of several 'double' weighs for a number of competitors. Hungary's Balazs Csoregi is the first main contender to weigh-in in the section and it will be the start of several 'double' weighs for a number of competitors.
It's William's turn and the official tells him that he'll need two weighs! We like this picture so much we may use it for a special Caption Competiton shortly, so start to get your thinking caps on! It's William's turn and the official tells him that he'll need two weighs! We like this picture so much we may use it for a special Caption Competiton shortly, so start to get your thinking caps on!
William waits while his first weigh is finalised. England's Dick Clegg and Wales' Eric Humphreys keep a close watch on the scales. William waits while his first weigh is finalised. England's Dick Clegg and Wales' Eric Humphreys keep a close watch on the scales.
Italy's Gianluigi Sorti is next to weigh, and it's clear that he hasn't done enough to stop William... maybe others might! Italy's Gianluigi Sorti is next to weigh, and it's clear that he hasn't done enough to stop William... maybe others might!
Switzerland's Jean-Jacques Iseli starts to put 12,300kg on the scales and push Italy further behind England. He also managed to tie scores with Germany's Rene Bredereck. Switzerland's Jean-Jacques Iseli starts to put 12,300kg on the scales and push Italy further behind England. He also managed to tie scores with Germany's Rene Bredereck.
Jean-Jacques Iseli's catch included a near 2kg catfish, seen here lying underneath that 1.5kg carp! Jean-Jacques Iseli's catch included a near 2kg catfish, seen here lying underneath that 1.5kg carp!
It was a slippery affair for competitors returning fish to the water. At least our 'soon-to-be' World Champion had the assistance of a convenient ladder down to the waters edge! It was a slippery affair for competitors returning fish to the water. At least our 'soon-to-be' World Champion had the assistance of a convenient ladder down to the waters edge!
Those Moments of Truth!
We hope you find these snapshots of the two hours 'after the event' interesting.
A good view of the rest of section B, looking up towards C section, from Italian Gianluigi Sorti's peg 19. A good view of the rest of section B, looking up towards C section, from Italian Gianluigi Sorti's peg 19.
Hungarian Balazs Csoregi nets a good carp on peg 17 in B section. Balazs had a very slow start, having to watch both William and Gianluigi net fish after fish during the first hour. He eventually got into gear and powered his way up the section to finish 4th. He would have an equally good day on Sunday, finishing 6th in A section. A good young prospect in the making for Hungary. Hungarian Balazs Csoregi nets a good carp on peg 17 in B section. Balazs had a very slow start, having to watch both William and Gianluigi net fish after fish during the first hour. He eventually got into gear and powered his way up the section to finish 4th. He would have an equally good day on Sunday, finishing 6th in A section. A good young prospect in the making for Hungary.
Scotland fished a 'blinder' on day one to finish in 5th position with 52 points. A poor second day, when they could only take 17th place, meant they would ultimately finish in overall 11th place. Still, a good performance, having the likes of teams such as Poland, Germany, Russia and FRANCE behind them. Here, Ewan Weed bring in a useful carassio to bolster his weight to 6.040kg in section B. Scotland fished a 'blinder' on day one to finish in 5th position with 52 points. A poor second day, when they could only take 17th place, meant they would ultimately finish in overall 11th place. Still, a good performance, having the likes of teams such as Poland, Germany, Russia and FRANCE behind them. Here, Ewan Weed bring in a useful carassio to bolster his weight to 6.040kg in section B.
The intriging duel between Italy and England was typified in theSorti/Raison clash in B section. Here we see the first hours 'Count' boards for both anglers. On the surface, it looked as though the Englishman had the better of his Italian counterpart, but it was not the case. Although Sorti had fewer fish, they were of much better quality than William's. The intriging duel between Italy and England was typified in theSorti/Raison clash in B section. Here we see the first hours 'Count' boards for both anglers. On the surface, it looked as though the Englishman had the better of his Italian counterpart, but it was not the case. Although Sorti had fewer fish, they were of much better quality than William's.
Germany's Rene Bredereck nets another good fish from B21 to keep him in contention for the race to take the section. He finished with 12,300kg to tie on second place with the Swiss competitor, Jean-Jacques Iseli on peg 27. Germany's Rene Bredereck nets another good fish from B21 to keep him in contention for the race to take the section. He finished with 12,300kg to tie on second place with the Swiss competitor, Jean-Jacques Iseli on peg 27.
Gianluigi Sorti nets another quality Spinadesco carassio to put Will Raison under early pressure. Gianluigi Sorti nets another quality Spinadesco carassio to put Will Raison under early pressure.
The tide is turning as we approach the final stages of day one. Italy seem plainly concerned about Englands progress as Gianluigi looks across at Will Raison, who's landing yet another fish! The tide is turning as we approach the final stages of day one. Italy seem plainly concerned about Englands progress as Gianluigi looks across at Will Raison, who's landing yet another fish!
Again we see the 'Count' boards, this time the 2-hour one, which incredibly, match identically to the first hour... 7 to 12 fish. It was a familiar story as well with Sorti's fish being much better quality. The situation would turn around rapidly in the final hour giving William a near 2 kilo advantage over Gianluigi at the scales. Again we see the 'Count' boards, this time the 2-hour one, which incredibly, match identically to the first hour... 7 to 12 fish. It was a familiar story as well with Sorti's fish being much better quality. The situation would turn around rapidly in the final hour giving William a near 2 kilo advantage over Gianluigi at the scales.
Ukrainian Sergiy Burdak nets a carassio in B4, not a particularly good area and he finished in a lowly 26th place on day one. Ukrainian Sergiy Burdak nets a carassio in B4, not a particularly good area and he finished in a lowly 26th place on day one.
At one point, just past the halfway mark, Will Raison came onto his inside line as Sorti was getting away from him. He'd been feeding quite quietly from the off, but it didn't produce anything for him during his brief visit. However, what it did do was to ease pressure on his long line so that when he returned to it he found fish waiting there and started to not only catch Sorti up, but overtake him and everyone else in the section. It was a classic case of resting your line... not easy to do under the pressure of... At one point, just past the halfway mark, Will Raison came onto his inside line as Sorti was getting away from him. He'd been feeding quite quietly from the off, but it didn't produce anything for him during his brief visit. However, what it did do was to ease pressure on his long line so that when he returned to it he found fish waiting there and started to not only catch Sorti up, but overtake him and everyone else in the section. It was a classic case of resting your line... not easy to do under the pressure of...
The shape of things to come.... William gives his first interview with Sky TV after winning section B on day one. The shape of things to come.... William gives his first interview with Sky TV after winning section B on day one.
And to complete our Saturday gallery coverage, here's a final selection for you...
