🏏 EVANS HEAD FISHING CLASSIC – ADULTS DIVISION
“Powered by Precision – Like Watching Ponting in Full Flight”
With rods swinging like bats and casts flying like bouncers, the Adult Division leaderboard on Monday at the Evans Head Fishing Classic reads like a who’s who of fishing’s Test team. These anglers aren’t just chasing fish—they’re posting Ashes-level scores under pressure.
Leading the AJ-Sambo attack with a knock that would make Steve Smith proud, Glenn Banks dropped a 1010mm slab to take first place, followed closely by the ever-consistent David Brown (940mm)—a true Usman Khawaja innings. Brad Mayes snuck into third with 846mm, a gritty, low-on-flair but high-on-effectiveness performance reminiscent of Justin Langer in the early 2000s.
In the blackfish division, Rick Bennett turned in a measured 417mm result—steady and dependable, the Pat Cummins of the group—while Neil Lollback (399mm) and Ray Palmer (377mm) backed it up like a reliable middle order.
The bream-tarwhine field was tighter than a Boxing Day Test. Miller Scully posted a 420mm special, the kind of result you’d expect from a young Marnus Labuschagne. Martin Soutar (416mm) and Darlene Walker (405mm) followed close behind, both proving they know how to dig in for the long haul.
If energy and explosiveness were the measure, Dylan Carbery would be the Adam Gilchrist of the dart division, smashing a 460mm fish to lead the day. Sally Charters (437mm) and Nick Carbery (436mm) were hot on his heels in what felt like a rapid-fire ODI over.
Flathead was all about big scores and even bigger plays. Carl North clocked a 775mm bruiser—think David Warner smashing a century before lunch. Scott Parish (740mm) and James Wimble (695mm) kept the scoreboard ticking over with a pair of strong innings in the flathead field.
The king-cobia results were something else. Alex Campbell hit a record-breaking 1310mm fish—pure Glenn Maxwell madness, power and flair in one cast. Mitchell Brown (1005mm) and Brad Mayes (983mm) weren’t far behind, both scoring like openers in a run-fest.
In Judges’ Choice, Cameron Bennett delivered a classic 950mm snakemackerel—clinical and well-placed, a proper Mark Waugh performance. Laurie Gill (880mm mahi mahi) and Benjamin Heath (820mm tuna) played strong supporting roles, their catches solid enough to feature in any highlights reel.
The mulloway category was stacked with high-scorers. Ron Rayner’s 1265mm fish felt like a vintage Matthew Hayden power play, while Cameron Gillespie (1208mm) and Patrick Jones (1205mm) weren’t far behind. Three heavy-hitters, all in form.
Pearl perch saw a measured knock from David Matheson (565mm), backed up by Jaye Cook (560mm) and Amy Donaldson (510mm), all crafting well-paced innings in trickier conditions.
Snapper was a proper top-order shootout. Philip Trevor and Stephen Banks both cleared 920mm, posting 923mm and 920mm respectively, with Matthew Howley rounding it out at 862mm. Classic top-three form—like watching Warner, Smith, and Head in full flight.
In tailor, Lachlan Wray proved himself again with an even 800mm—Mr Reliable, like Mike Hussey in the middle. Paige Higgins (750mm) and Jason Grundy (620mm) kept the pressure on, digging in with strong, steady form.
The trag lineup saw Troy Robson take out the top spot at 768mm—a real Brett Lee moment, fast, loud, and effective. Brad Mayes (740mm) and Allan Gill (657mm) rounded out the podium with clean performances.
Finishing with finesse, Craig Priddy led the whiting field at 409mm, followed by Ty Parkinson (407mm) and Alexander Klassen (396mm)—a tight contest full of clean strokes and classic patience, like a late-day grind from Ricky Ponting on Day 3.
From explosive shots to well-paced digs, these adult anglers are delivering the kind of form Australia’s national cricket team would be proud of. With more days still on the cards, it’s anyone’s match to win—and the scoreboard is far from settled.
