2017 Review

2017 saw the start of the club fishing 12 matches a year instead of 10. Some new bits were brought into place, with us introducing 4 dropped results, doing away with the section winners league, and the introduction of Winter and Summer knockout cups.
The year started at a very cold Cunneries where Dave Edwards took the lead in the league and never looked back. He managed to remain at the top for the entire year and pipped Tony Wilson into second yet again.

Dave's second league win in 3 years, well done.

The 2017 Winter knockout cup was taken by Tony Wilson, beating Dave Edwards in the Final on Canal at Weston.

The 2017 Summer knockout cup was also taken by Tony Wilson beating Chris Roe in the final at Heronbrook.

The 2017/18 Winter knockout cup is now already under way.

2017 saw the clubs second weekend away. Fished over 2 days at Tunnel Barn Farm on House and Extension Pools. The weekend was a great success and provided lots of members with new PB's. 

Fished as a pairs competition, the winners were Chris Williams and Tony Wilson.
The second day saw Tony Wilson set the club record weight with 171-08 (six hours).

The club was represented in the Garbolino Club Angler Of The Year competition by Tony Wilson, Chris Roe, Richie Williams and Dave Edwards. Held on Tunnel Barn Farm, Tony qualified by finishing 3rd on New Pool, while Chris also qualified by winning Club Pool. 
The final was at Barston Lakes and despite a good effort from both it wasn't to be. 
Hopefully some other lads will put their name forward for 2018 as it's an experience not to be missed.

August's match, at Hall Lane on Gwen's pool saw Chris Roe catch his first 100lb+ weight in a league match weighing 141-02 of mainly margin caught carp. This was also the highest league match weight ever for the club (five hours).

Also in August, the club entered two teams of 5 into an event at Weston Pools. On the team front it wasn't to be but Dave Edwards won the day individually with 131lb from peg 30 on Stretton. 

A mention must go to the Claire House charity match, we entered a team of 8 anglers and the whole event raised over £15,000 so well done to everyone. As a team we finished in sixth place so a definite improvement on last year. 

Hopefully next year we can get two teams involved and raise even more.

Most of the new venues fished turned out to be quite popular with the lads and 2018 will see a few more venues introduced and a few old favourites visited more often. Partridge, Heronbrook and the Cunneries have been dropped in favour of some more matches at Weston and Hampton and a new venue in Holmston Hall.

The 2018 summer cup will start in May on Weir and Jack's at Weston Pools culminating in the final in September on Holmston Hall.

I'd like to say a big welcome to our three new members, John Rogers, Chris Williams and Paul McSomething.

There may be some changes in terms of how the league is run next year, with a possibility of two separate divisions and the introduction of a veterans cup. All will be revealed in due course.

The 2018 weekend away is at Solhampton and Cob House, more details are available on a separate page on the blog.

As always big thanks to everyone who has helped with booking venues, pegging, weighing in, organising the trophies etc. 

The year ended with news of the sad passing of former member Gary Hooper. He will be remembered fondly by all the lads. 

Apologies if I've missed anything.

Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. 

P.S. other notable achievments include Dennis Clayton's 127lb from Extension Pool.

Norman Smith's 104lb winning weight off Canal at Weston in April.

Les Cousins 3rd place on Covey 5 in June

Keith Howards 90lb PB from Hall Lane

Bucko's 86lb from Cheshire in December

and Dave selling his Airity 16 times in 12 months.