LATHOMS No 1, 5/3/16 ~ Sumo walk helps The Gnome succeed

When Nasty Nick announced he had caught 40 f1s in snow, sleet and cold rain while practising on Friday, things looked good for this match. A quick snow flurry prior to kick off did nothing to discourage anyone, and by the all-in it was glorious sunshine for everyone except a couple pegged under the Leylandii at the far end. It didn't quite start off in spectacular fashion as the early stages proved a little tough. Those that got quick fish, feeling encouraged, generally proceeded to overfeed their pegs very easily. As the day wore on, however, the fishing improved, and most ended with respectable weights.
One who didn't make the end, again, was John Edwards. Yozzer was pegged next door and started the psychology even before the start. After an hour, Sumo's head was battered, and after another hour, talk turned to an early dart. John gave it another fruitless hour and then had a bite. Fish on and so was the comeback! Alas, just before the landing net, the hook pulled and left Sumo totally deflated. Ten minutes later, and all his gear was in the car, and he was gone.
The Gnome took full advantage of the empty space. Having caught a few in a steady start, F1s started coming with greater regularity, and by the end he had amassed 46lb 09oz, enough for first place.
Entertainments Manager and Club Comedian Gary Brislen had everyone laughing as he tried telling them he hadn't done too well. He certainly did enough to take the silver medal, with a decent return of 33lb 01oz. So well done Gary.
More frivolity was guaranteed on the way home as Gary's travelling partner Neil Paterson completed the podium. Another one to feel the benefit of the Tunnel Barn boot camp, having just returned from a 3 day stint at the F1 mecca, Pato finished with a magnificent 30lb 12oz. Having been on dodgy pegs every week for the last 4 years, Neil finally drew an end peg flier and boy, did he make the most of it. Bring on the next Fisho qualifier.
Supplementing recent Cunneries success, Steve Cookie Monster again demonstrated a modicum of angling prowess, with a well earned section win. Two visits to the powder room and a run round the lake to provide Bovril to the needy (that means everybody), and he still had time to put 22lb 07oz in the net. "My name is Steve Ringpiece, welcome to skills school." We might have to start taking him seriously............... errr not!