Our Match Secretary, Will Carr, has listened to the regular match attendees and tells me that they want to have two float only matches next year, the 3rd and the 8th matches. Will said "Most of the guys really enjoy the leveller that a float only brings to the competition and it would be a good idea to have an additional match earlier in the season to capitalise on the dace fishing to be had then."

What do you think? Let me know by email, text, phone - especially if you intend to fish the matches!

Bernie.

On a much better day than most of the summer, 16 anglers contested this, the "Float Only" round 8 of our 10 match series. The sun shone and the river was low and clear, but these tough conditions were overcome with some impressive weights. Winner, from peg 88 was Nick Bastock with a weight of 33 Lbs 12 Ozs consisting of 5 barbel taken on waggler and maggot down the middle of the peg, where the flow is at this level. Second from fancied peg 75 was Ken Arnold with two barbel for 12 Lbs 12 Ozs taken on the stick float and maggot. Third (and about time too!) was yours truly with 2 barbel for 10 Lbs 12 Ozs from peg 97 taken on Bolo and meat.

This has meant that the points gap at the top closed to just one, because Gary Stinton only managed 4th place to Ken Arnold's 2nd. With just two matches to go, it is a shame that Ken has to miss the round 9, as it would have come down to the wire in the final wines and spirits match, round 10. Gary only needs to turn up and score at both matches and the Angler of Year Trophy is his. Click on the link for the full result.

8th Match - 27 Sep 15.pdf (42.56 kb)

The 13th September 2015 saw a slightly coloured river that was up a few inches, which gave those contesting this match hope of some better weights. And they were right! Ken Arnold ran out winner from peg 75 with a great weight of 52 Lbs 4 Ozs (8 barbel and one chub); second from peg 97 was Nick Bastock with 30 Lbs 8 Ozs and third from peg 88 with a weight of 22 Lbs 8 Ozs was Brian Tinman. This means that the gap has now closed at the top of the league and Gary Stinton has been caught by Ken Arnold, with Gary on 54 points and Ken on 51 now. The next match will be a test for both anglers, as it is the "Float Only" match with no feeder of legered baits allowed. With just 2 matches to follow this, it will be a close finish. For the full result click on the link.

7th Match website.pdf (41.52 kb)

On a bright, but cool Sunday 30 August 2015, 16 anglers competed this round of the summer league. Winner was Ken Arnold from unfancied (by him!) peg 22 with 21 Lbs 3 Ozs, second was Graham Jones with 19 Lbs 8 Ozs from peg 13 and third was Ray Armstrong from peg 95 with 17 Lbs 8 Ozs. Gary Stinton still managed another 6 points from this match to stay in front with 47 points, but Ken Arnold has closed the gap to just 6 points on 41 now. Equal in third place are Paul Harrison and Graham Jones on 28 points. It's starting to get interesting now with just 4 matches to go! Will Gary stay out in front? Or will Ken manage to catch him? The float only match in two matches time may favour Ken, so it will be very interesting to see who comes out on top. Read it here first. Full results to date can be seen by clicking on the link.

6th Match website Sheet1.pdf (42.48 kb)