The previous match at this venue, Monkhall Fishery, Swallow Pool, saw gale force Westerly winds so strong they broke two competitors poles. The wind direction on Sunday 25 February was in completely the opposite direction, known as the "Beast from the East" and was, at times, almost as strong. 14 of the 19 members contesting the league turned out and the draw was always going to be important, since the majority of the fish caught in the match the previous day had all come from the south side of the pool. The same thing happened with our match too, the only exception being Brian Tinman who drew Peg 1 on the north bank and was opposite Ken Arnold on the end peg on the south bank. There were the remnants of the ice that covered this end of the pool at the start of the match and both anglers didn't fancy their chances if and when this melted. Their fears were never realised as Ken, once again, put the winning weight 29 Lbs 8 Ozs on the scales. This had been a remarkable week for Ken, as he had won open matches at Springlea and Hough in the preceeding week as well. You just can't keep a good man down! Second was Brian Tinman with 23 Lbs 4 Ozs and third was Nick Bastock with 14 Lbs 8 Ozs (Also from the fancied south bank). Those of us on the north bank struggled to even get bites for the first 3 hours of the match. This has altered the league table somewhat, with Ken now in the lead with 40 points, Nick with 38 and Brian with 37. There are just 4 matches to go now, but the next one is not for a month, so I, for one, hope the weather improves somewhat by then! For the full result, click on the link below.

WINTER LEAGUE - 6th MATCH Monkhall.pdf (22.42 kb)

Just 12 of the 19 anglers in the league contested this round. Some must have been put off by the weather forecast that predicted temperatures of just 2-3C with strong to gale force winds. Fortunately, the sun came out and with just a couple of very short snow showers that interrupted the warmth it provided, made for a very pleasant day's angling. The Springlea Fishery's Orfe Pool contains some big carp and some of us lost these "lumps" on light tackle and small hooks. Eventual winner was Nick Bastock, using the long pole at 14.5m for a lot of "bits" to start with, but then the bigger fish moved onto his lightly fed maggot bait for an excellent total bag of 35 Lbs 10 Ozs. Second was Kev Nicholls, with 21 Lbs 15 Ozs, fishing on just a 6-8m line with the pole and ringing the bait changes on the hook. Yours truly managed third place with exactly 21 Lbs taken mainly on the waggler at 25 to 30m and ringing the bait changes on the hook. At the half way stage of the league we have a very tight situation. Joint first on points are Nick Bastock and Ken Arnold on 30 each, but Nick well out in front on weight. In second (third really!) is myself on 29 and in third (fourth?) is Brian Tinman. 

Click on the link for the full result.

Next match is back at Monkhall's Swallow Pool. REMEMBER, YOU DON'T NEED KEEP NETS OR LANDING NET HEADS.

Breakfast is available from 0800 Hrs

WINTER LEAGUE 5th match Springlea.pdf (21.96 kb)

As there were only 7 members that attended last year's AGM, this is just a reminder that it will be held in the usual place, Leighton Village School Hall, opposite the Kynnersley Arms pub, starting at 7:30 pm, in the hope that a few more might turn up this year.

Hope to see you there!

As there were only 7 members that attended last year's AGM, this is just a reminder that it will be held in the usual place, Leighton Village School Hall, opposite the Kynnersley Arms pub, starting at 7:30 pm, in the hope that a few more might turn up this year.

Hope to see you there!

With storm force winds, but reasonably mild for the time of year, this match fished on the 28th January, proved to be difficult for most of those anglers that fished it. So much so that Richard Perrins and Nick Bastock broke their poles trying to hold them in the strong wind! Winner, with exactly 21 Lbs, was Dave Leary, second was Nick Bastock with 18 Lbs 4 Ozs and third was Will Carr with exactly 17 Lbs. As Brian Tinman was in Thailand, Ken Arnold missed the opportunity to nip ahead of him, only managing sixth place. So Brian still leads the league after 4 rounds with 26 points. Ken is second on 25 and yours truly is in third with 21. With 6 matches still to go, there is a lot that can - and probably will! - happen. Read about it here first.

For the full result, please click on this link:

WINTER LEAGUE 4th match Monkhall.pdf (21.49 kb)