LATHAMS No1. 29/11/15 ~ Yozzer is number one lunatic

Normally, when the weather isn't very good, anglers are described as 'brave'. Well let me tell you this, the 16 members who turned up for this match could only be called lunatics. Despite being out in some pretty awful stuff over the last few weeks, this one was positively tempestuous. Not one angler was actually that crazy to attempt a brolly, despite a series of showers passing through as the day progressed. The wind was ridiculous, and most unintentionally fed their margins on a regular basis, as bait boxes were blown off side-trays and into the lake.
Keeping rigs steady, even in the 'sheltered' pegs, was nigh on impossible as there was a strange swell on the water, to go with the ripple/ waves (delete as appropriate). The float went one way and then the other almost all day. In moments when it was settled you might get a bite if you were lucky.
Luckier than most was The Gnome, who made it back to back wins as he fished short on pellet. Sufficient numbers of bites came and he weighed a chart-topping 64lb 13oz net of mainly F1s.
This was just enough to see off the challenge of 'The Yeti' known as Chris Roe. Since last winter's successful campaign, we've hardly seen Chris. Suddenly he turns up and brings the winter with him, and immediately slips into form. An excellent 63lb 12oz, apparently caught shallow at 5m meant second place for Chris. Well done.
Nasty Nick Harrop probably had the worst of the weather to contend with, but nobody had any sympathy cos he's such a***** (insert a derogatory name of your choice). Credit though, as Nick made his Friday practice session pay off with a brilliant 42lb 12oz, which proved good enough to make the frame. Congratulations, he's a nice man really...... not.
The Pickup Brothers took the section prizes. Lee scraped into the 20lb challenge final at the last chance saloon, his 28lb 04oz also proving enough for section glory. Jamie, despite the wind, fished 13m all day. Maggot on the deck in 8ft of water earned him a decent net of quality ide supplemented by skimmers, tench, and an occasional F1. He ended with a very respectable 29lb 08oz. Imagine if he could master the 5 metre line, he'd be even more awesomer than he already is.