CONWY, 6/1/13 ~ Drawbag Paterson enjoys a banjo bonanza

Following nearly a week of milder temperatures, it was predicted by some that we would see big weights at Conwy. It was partly correct with an impressive winning weight, but it was down hill fast after that.
Neil Paterson was planning to put a roach net together, in the hope of cementing his lead in the Club Angler series. At the all-in, however, with a ripple blowing in to his bank, and the light all wrong to see a pole float, he decided to sit on the banjo until things changed. After ten minutes the tip went round and Pato was into a decent carp. The tip continued to go round on a regular basis. Some big fish went into his net, with Neil estimating the biggest to be about 15lb (that'll be 8 then!). At the weigh-in, following a scintillating performance, the final total was 90lb, and we hadn't heard a moan all day. Amazing.......fantastic effort Pato. It wasn't really "duelling banjos" as no-one came close. More a case of the Tango advert,...." You know when you've been BANJOED"

Sing along together, "THE WHEELS ON THE BUS"

In a remote 2nd was Ian Simpson, who put together a first half net of roach, followed by four decent carp and finished with 32lb 08oz. Usually regarded as a good catch for Conwy, today it paled into mediocrity, but was still worthy of praise, so well done to Simo.

On his very first attempt at the Golden peg, Yozzer had his usual all roach net for a level 32lb and a comfortable third place. Consistent if nothing else. 

John Edwards made the most of his end peg draw to clinch the first section. A decent carp about an hour into the match set Sumo on his way. Topping up with a few roach, he seemed to be going nowhere and the walk of shame was beckoning, but in a triumph for perseverance, John caught two good carp on the teabag in the last 30 minutes, and boosted his weight to 24lb 08oz. Perhaps he'll stay in future, well done Sumo.

Continuing his good form since returning, was Gary Chambers. Struggling to catch his trademark Conwy skimmers, which have done a disappearing act, Gary plodded on and ended with 18lb 01oz of mainly silvers to take the other section prize.

On reflection, an average match for the venue, slightly overshadowed by the performance from the Big Fella, but nonetheless a decent day out.