The performance followed a ninth in the world title in Poland, Australia's best performance in eight years.

This is Coltman's third Commonwealth title. For Baxter and the four other teammates - non-fishing captain Peter Dixon (Victoria), Joe Ryley (Tasmania), Tom Watson (Western Australia) and Emelio

Caggianoe (New South Wales) - it is their first.

Australia had the better of England, Wales, Scotland, Isle of Man, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand in the event contested in five three-hour sessions at five venues over three days.

Coltman said it was a great result for a new combination. He said the venues took in a variety of waterways, such as lakes, rivers and wilderness waters.

He said the conditions in Wales were in contrast to the earlier experience of Poland. He said Welsh waterways had been predominantly clear with steady flows.

Coltman said heavy rain leading up to the world titles had rivers flooding, carrying vast volumes of mirky water at quick rates.

He said with the low visibility, competitors had to use heavier flies than usual to target waters as deep as possible.

Some 28 countries contested the world championships, with Coltman contesting the event for the sixth time.

The Czech republic won the world title.

TOP 10: Czech Republic 1, France 2, Slovakia 3, Poland 4, South Africa 5, Finland 6, Spain 7, New Zealand 8, Australia 9, Bosnia And HerzegovI 10.

Coltman's three Commonwealth gold medals have come from four attempts.