LINGMERE, 22/12/13 ~ It's Xmas comfort and joy for Kenny

Checking back, it seems that this was a re-run of last year's Xmas match at Lingmere. Another very modest affair. Those who drew the top lake struggled in the main to even get a bait in the water, such was the ferocity of the wind. The only peg with any real shelter gave Dave Norman the chance to fish the 'In' method at Lingmere, and long pole with bread produced the goods to the tune of 24lb, and an easy lake victory. A big well done to Diddy Dave.
Dave Lynch was next best with a section winning 14lb, while last week's winner, Dirk Wriggler took the other section with 11lb. Great efforts by both.
It was a different world on the bottom lake, with everyone fishing in relative comfort. A couple even fished without coats for half the match! The only one to experience both comfort and joy, however, was Kenny Pickup. Fishing the feeder, the Daddy had 30 odd F1s for 26lb, and could even afford to put several decent chub back. That gave him the overall win. Even though it's Xmas, he proved he's not a turkey, so congratulation Ken, an awesome display.
Section wins for Simo with 7lb 14oz, and Sumo with 4lb 14oz, just about sums up how this lake fished on the day, but well done to both lads.
Cracking hot food was provided by Jan in the Lingmere cafe after the match, which cheered everyone up on a rather dismal day. a big thanks to her.
It's a month till the next one, so Merry Xmas and a happy new Year to you all. 

P.S. AGM is on Tuesday 7th January 2014. Be there and have your say, or don't moan at any decisions that are made. Simples...

MERRY XMAS

I THOUGHT PATO HAD BEEN KEEPING A SECRET

LINGMERE, 15/12/13 ~ Derek has a grueller but struggles to victory

Never forget, there's always someone less fortunate than yourself. Having spent the match on the top lake with the wind directly in my face all day, and managing a bite an hour, I had the dubious pleasure of doing the weigh-in. 
Starting on the top lake, Dennis Jones had the best weight with 9 F1s for a 16lb 10oz total. A great performance in the circumstances. Pato had 11lb 09oz (that's good for him), and Paul Dennett had 13lb 04oz, which won them a section prize each. Well done to both. At the other end of the spectrum, the Pickups had 'nightmares', with Lee doing the walk after 3 biteless hours, and Jamie returning 8lb odd, which was scant reward for 5 hours at 18 metres (crackpot).
Onto the bottom lake, and seemingly things were no better with Daddy Pickup winning the first section with 13lb 14oz. Might be an idea to peg him by the lads so he can help them out during future matches.
Arriving at Derek Warren's peg, and after giving a tear-jerker account of how he'd struggled to see bites in the wind (gentle breeze compared to the top lake), and couldn't present his bait, he put his fish on the scales. Having used 6 tissues to dry our eyes, the dial read 37lb 12oz. Wow! Some of us never had bites to spot. Congatulations Degs, a fine win.
Seems like this was the only worthwhile section on the day, as Dave Norman finished overall runner-up with around 29lb, and Sumo eased into third with his 21lb. Good efforts from both, but alas, no coin, only the satisfaction of a good day's sport. I wish.....

CONWY WATER GARDENS, 8/12/13 ~ Right appROACH wins the day for The Gnome

A poor turnout for the latest outing to Conwy. In sharp contrast to the last match, when carp fed freely all over the lake, this one gave the roach boys a chance.
The Gnome gave it a fruitless half an hour on pellet for carp before resorting to his normal approach at the venue. Maggot shallow at 5 metres saw him catch roach throughout, and an end total of 44lb 08oz secured an easy victory. 
John Edwards flew the flag for the carp boys, and managed a steady stream of mainly big F1s on 8mm pole fished pellet. Sumo finished with a very respectable 33lb 06oz to take second spot, well done John.
Pete Lucas showed his all round ability with another roach net, supplemented by one carp, which together totalled 29lb 08oz to put him on the podium. Nice one Clueless.
Next stop Lingmere.... now that'll make a refreshing change.