This year saw 220 anglers competing in this unique event in an effort to take, not only the coveted title, but a share of the prize and pools money for the winner of almost £1,500.
After a week of heavy rain, it was no different on match day and together with the strong winds conditions were just horrible and the soggy wet banks were difficult in places.
Many were unsure just how the drains would perform on the day, however the unpredictable Glassmore Bank proved to be in very good form.
Chris Wade from Leicester, who has entered the final for some 25 years was in the lower section and got off to a blistering start. Offering small roach dead baits he tempted a small ‘jack’ on his very first cast. The next hour saw four more pike banked, topped by a 17lb specimen. For the remainder of the match Chris added only one more small fish, but the title was his with a 44lb-2oz total.
Runner-up was Rob Ellis from Hartley Wintney with a 31lb 8oz total. Rob, who was also on the Glassmore section, put three pike to scales which included the best fish of the day at 23lb 4oz.
Rita Clarke made it a hat-trick of wins in the ladies category with a solitary 5lb fish, taken early in the match from a difficult section on the 20 foot river.
The junior title went to 15 year old Jack Newman from Southampton. Jack’s two fish total of 10lb 10oz also saw him take second in section. nudging dad Jason into third spot on the same section.
Despite the conditions many doubles were taken alongside smaller fish throughout the entire match length. Overall 105 pike, weighing 548lb-10oz were recorded.
The Angling Trust would like to thank David White and all at Whittlesey AA and Ann and Ted Rowe for all thier hard work.
