LINGMERE 18/1/15 ~ Roe foiled again as dodgers dominate

It was amazing that this match actually went ahead, and with all 17 who had booked on too. A dusting of hail/snow the night before had frozen, and with no sign of gritters having been at work, cars needed defrosting and roads were hazardous to say the least. Even the motorway was icy. Arriving at Lingmere, and a different story greeted us. No icy track and not even a frost in sight. It still didn't fill us with optimism and pre-match banter was about the start time for the snooker masters and who was on the live football on Sky. Seemed the walk of shame was firmly on the agenda...... or should it be re-named the walk of common sense? Anyway, the first to walk was Norman Smith.
Having been the first to catch a fish, John Edwards seemed certain to stay the distance, but encouraged by the first exit, Sumo soon followed to the comfort of the Caernarvon.
Only four pegs on the bottom lake, but two early darts as both Tony Wilson and Steve Coleman decided that West Ham v Hull was a better option than getting battered by Chris Roe. After all, Chris is allegedly a bigger muppet than Miss Piggy.
Another solid display, this time mainly on maggot feeder, brought more runner-up glory with an excellent 24lb. Big pat on the back for Chris, that first win seems imminent.
Up on the top lake, after a slow start with placid conditions, the wind picked up, and for some, so did the fishing. With all the recognised fliers failing to produce, it was left to the lads who regularly fish the coffin- dodger matches on Wednesdays to show the way (and take the money).
Nicky Harrop has settled into the club quickly and made it 2 from 2 section wins, supplementing Wednesday's big 'dodger' win with a fine third place. Maggot and caster proved to be the right choice as RSwipe put 23lb 15oz on the scales to take a great bronze medal.
The Garden Gnome defied the elements, and his short pole reputation, by fishing maggot at 14metres. The effort was worth it as he secured a 'comfortable' victory with 33lb 06oz. Wednesday's DNW turned into a distant memory. Comfortable hardly seems appropriate with wind and sleet blowing into the face but you know what I mean.
Gary Brislen is another who attends the odd dodger match, and he made the experience count as he took a well earned section win with 10lb 02oz. Well done to the Entertainments Manager.
The last section went the way of The Butler, Andy Lawton showing the Lord just how it's done with a quality display of feeder and waggler fishing as he racked up a decent return of 16lb. Well Done Andy.