Xmas match at LINGMERE, 13/12/15 ~ The Gnome pulls off a hat-trick

The spirit of Christmas enhanced this match, putting an edge on the already brilliant camaraderie that exists between members. Gathering in the Lingmere café for brekkie and banter, several of the lads exchange little cards and gifts. Les Thompson presented Yozzer with a ski-style bobble hat with tassels. Particularly striking were the lime green, pink and black colourings to match the lime green coat he has been sporting recently. From a purely functional point of view, it was perfect for keeping the ears warm on as cold a day as we've had so far this winter.
From a psychological point of view it seemed to bedazzle half the field, who were more concerned with ridiculing the said gift than actually fishing. Having drawn a dolly peg too, The Gnome took full advantage. Pellet at 5m was the successful approach, as he put 49lb 04oz of skimmers and F1s on the scales to complete a hat-trick, and win the fish-off for the 20lb challenge too.
Drawn next door was the King of the Ling, AKA Dirk Wriggler. As daft as it sounds, he attracted too many fish into his peg and spent half the match struggling with foul-hooked fish before losing them. It proved costly, as he finished off the pace with 39lb 14oz. Still an outstanding effort to take the runner-up spot.
Knocking on the door yet again, another venue regular, Nasty Nick Harrop just can't get his head in front. The 'faggot with the maggot' put on another fabulous display but again fell short, his 36lb 04oz impressive, but only good enough for bronze.
Section prizes were keenly fought over, with some close encounters. Steve Coleman's excellent 29lb 14oz beat Cargy by 7oz, while  our little rotund friend Les Thompson saw his generosity rewarded as his 19lb 05oz pipped Col Cook by a mere 6oz. Buckall Rogers completed the top lake prize winners with a comfortable section win with his 28lb 11oz return. A big well done to them all.
On the bottom lake it was a different story. Struggling to show any real form for a couple of weeks now, it again proved a tough nut to crack. It was, however, a very fair contest as it was hard for everyone. Best weight on this lake was from Jamie Pickup with a modest 15lb 01oz catch. Ken Stuart maintained recent top form with a section winning 12lb 07oz, while Sumo wiped his feet on the way to success, his 10lb 07oz net inching into the money by a mere 3oz. Good efforts from all three.
Hot food after the match was a godsend. It gave everyone a chance to get warm, and for post-match information and banter to be shared and discussed. Pity it couldn't happen after all matches. Those who attended exchanged good wishes for the forthcoming festive season. For those who couldn't get there,  I wish you and your family all the very best for Christmas and 2016. See you at Lingy on the 27th.