LINGMERE, 10/1/16 ~ King Edwards makes everyone look like a spud!

I've done a lot of moaning about wind and rain of late, but the real winter finally arrived on Sunday. No rain, but a stiff breeze which cut right through you. Boy it was cold. It didn't affect the fishing though, as 2 thirds of the field went into the next round of the 20lb challenge at the first time of asking.
Newbie Dave Edwards proved that his 3rd place over Xmas was not a fluke, as he caught all day on maggot and amassed a brilliant total of 71lb.That made him king for the day putting him well clear and dispelling the theory that the 'Edwards' name is synonymous with muppet. Well done Dave.
Having said that, John Edwards excelled again, this time as a section winner with 24lb 01oz. Following some pre-match banter when he talked about being a big fish in a small pond, he shall now be called Nemo.... a small fish in a very small tank!
Jamie Pickup watched Dave getting one a bung for the first hour before taking a different approach, similar to the winner. This propelled him from also-ran to runner-up as he put a top quality net together which went to 47lb 12oz at the scales. Great effort from Jbay.
In 3rd place, putting on another good show, was Tony Wilson (he's nearly as famous as the man off the telly). A fine 42lb 02oz got Tony in the money. I wonder if he can do it off other pegs as well as 31 ? He seems to draw there on every match. Time will tell.
Les Thompson put in a sparkling display to get section glory with an impressive 36lb 05oz, while Chris Roe demonstrated the power of Maver poles by throwing 16m about for the most part, and putting an equally hard earned 36lb 11oz in the bucket.
Andy Lawton put the silver salver down long enough to catch 22lb 12oz, and earn section money too. The butler did well from peg 11, which normally brings a moan or two when it's in the drawbag.