BLUNDELLS, West Lodge, 12/4/15 ~ Buck Rogers finishes light years ahead

Another great turnout despite a rotten weather forecast. The forecast proved to be accurate from a wind-speed point of view, as a stiff breeze ruined most angler's chances of fishing the long pole to the far bank, while unscheduled rain sent 4 or 5 on the walk of shame.
A thoroughly miserable day was brightened considerably by the display from John 'Buck' Rogers, who was light years ahead of the field.
One of only a handful who chose the long pole, John caught steadily all day to record an outstanding winning total of 75lb 04oz, which consisted of carp and big F1s on pellet. Massive congratulations on an initial Eggy match win, I'm sure it will be the first of many.
Second place was a close fought affair, although between anglers at different ends of the lake. At one end, Nicky Harrop found plenty of decent sized carp, but despite landing a level 51lb, he finished with 6 empty rig winders as some of the fish were big and wise, and found the aerator with consummate ease. I think his winnings might just cover the cost of some new floats and hooks, but still an excellent effort from the man from near Raby.
Gary Brislen was at the other end of the lake and found a similar mix, although there was no fixture in his peg to cause any embarrassment. Decent carp and F1s gave a 50lb 08oz return, as Gary fell agonisingly short of the silver medal.
Once again Dave Lynch was at the centre of another groundbait controversy. This time he put three babies heads in with an hour to go and went for a walk. Upon his return he landed two decent carp about 5lb apiece and scraped into a section winning position with 22lb 08oz. A master stroke or a big slice of spawn....I'll let you decide, but it worked so well done Spadge.
The Garden Gnome struggled for the first part of the match, but resorted to the usual 'top-kit in front' tactic and managed to find a few late fish to secure another section win with 26lb 11oz.
In contrast, Steve Coleman caught most of his 14lb 04oz in the initial half hour, and while those around him packed in early or sat in warm cars, Steve had to sit it out and wait for the scales in order to collect his section envelope. Nice one.
Another one to plod on until the end in order to see a return on his efforts was Les Thompson. Despite being next to Nasty Nick, Les kept chasing all day and his 25lb was enough to see him through to the next round of the 20lb challenge. Great attitude from the little round one, justly rewarded, well done.