LINGMERE, 21/12/14 ~ Kenny is Daddy Christmas...AGAIN

Some things never change. That gentle cooling breeze at Lingmere, Jamie peggin' it wrong then drawing a flier, and Kenny Pickup winning the Christmas match.
In order to bring comfort to as many as possible, and improve the chances of everyone catching a few, the match was split over the two lakes.
Just like last year, King Kenny drew the bottom lake and came out on top thanks to an impressive total of 38lb 13oz. 13metres with maggot was the successful approach. The performance also clinched this year's "20lb challenge"  series for KP. Great effort, both on the day and season-long, so congratulations.
In a reversal of the last Lingmere match result, Jamie Pickup was a gallant 2nd this time. Moving from his customary peg 20 draw all the way round to....19, Jambo proved it's not the peg, but the angler as he put 34lb 04oz on the scales for the silver medal. It also guaranteed a spot in the Garbolino Club angler as runner-up.
Top dog in the Garbo was Yozzer, so both will be representing the club in 2015.
Final podium place was filled by the other half of 'Team Kenny' as Ken Stuart managed a meritous 29lb 08oz from the bottom lake, well done.
Despite sulking for most of the match because he had to stay till the end to do weighing-in duties, (Jan wouldn't let him have scouse at 12.30) John Edwards actually had a decent day's fishing to the tune of 25lb 07oz and picked up section money. Although he made Scrooge look like the Laughing Policeman, a big pat on the back to Sumo for his angling prowess.
Another laughing boy, this time in the shape of Gary Brislen, again put in a sterling effort, and with 23lb 13oz he too won a section.
NB a 'sterling effort' doesn't mean he was diving in the lake every 5 minutes like a certain little s**t in a Liverpool shirt.
Ian Simpson was the other section winner with a decent return of 28lb 01oz. Must have learnt a lesson after drawing the bottom last time eh Simo? Nice one Mate.
Finally, the 'section winners' challenge was also decided, and The Gnome came out on top after a close battle with Dirk and Lee.
Thanks to Jan at Lingmere for some great post-match scouse and chilli. 
I wish all our members and regular readers a very Merry Xmas and I hope you all draw the pegs you want during 2015...Good Luck.

LINGMERE, 7/12/14 ~ Pickups blow the field away... or was that the wind?

If last week was full of banter with plenty of laughs, then this one was the opposite. I'm pretty sure that there weren't many who actually fancied fishing on the day. This was Lingmere weather at its cruellest. Strong gusty winds brought regular showers of rain and hail, and it was cold too. Even when the ripple subsided it was still difficult to spot bites through watering eyes. Just what you want when winter F1 fishing. Banter was non-existant as heads were buried deep into snoods, under woolly hats, with hoods pulled up. Brollies were a no-no due to the wind.
Having said all that, Jamie Pickup adopted his usual attitude, I'm fishing 16 metres, I must be good. On this occasion he was good and proved it with a runaway 35lb 12oz for an easy victory.
Don't know where he gets it from cos Dad Kenny tried 6 metres of pole for half an hour then gave up and went on the tip. He was rewarded with some nice F1s and a total of 27lb 04oz for second spot. Come on you Pickups!
Final place in the frame went to the never-reliable Jolly Green Giant. Neil was one of the few who could fish the pole in any degree of comfort, and he put this to good use with a decent day's sport which gave him a 23lb 06oz total. Another hour an he would have won it!
Team Kenny collected more pools money as Ken Stuart won the first section with a level 10lb. They need to win some more as the conditions took their toll and Ken's pole now has 2 short no.5 sections.
Venue regular The Gnome got an envelope to take home as his 17lb 09oz was enough for the other section.
All in all we've had nicer days out, but I suppose even this was better than sittin in the house, by the fire, nice and warm.......... mmmmm .........    don't know so much .