DAVID BELLAMY may have anticipated last week's Embassy Pairs Challenge in Spain to be something of a busman's holiday after giving himself little chance of success, but, the Rickmansworth angler, alongside partner Martin Harper, waltzed away with a fourth place finish and a cheque for £1,500.

Bellamy, 39, battled against more than 4,000 anglers nationwide to earn his place in the 40-strong final - and an all expenses paid trip to Spain including a chartered flight - which took place on the River Ebro in the Tarragona region of the Cost Daurada which is world reknowned for its carp.

"It was an absolutely fantastic experience," said Bellamy, who had never fished abroad in competition before last week.

"It was difficult because it was so hot, it got up to 44 degrees at times, and the river was massive and different to anything we are used to. At places it was about 600m wide and it was really strong."

After day one, the pair, who both fish for Harefield Tackle, looked out of the running after finishing down the field in 13th place. Bellamy had collected the maximum 20 points after catching a massive 32.940kg carp - his biggest ever match weight - and Harper netted a 26.300kg catch.

However, Harper's luck changed on day two when he finished third with a catch of 10.700kg while Bellamy scooped a 6.960kg carp to move the team up into joint fourth place, but ahead on total weight.

May 30, 2003 11:00