Final round Wx Winter League

First a big thanks to Reid's Tackle and Jimmy Finch in particular for the superb fix on my Normark Microlight, Great Job.

The day started well with one dog with the runs and another vomiting.  Then I couldn't find my Pewsey baseball cap only to find the dogs using it as a tug of war.

That sorted , I got under way with AC DC blasting from the stereo.  The crowd were chanting Angus, Angus, Angus for lead guitarist Angus Young and he didn't displease me or them with a great rendition of a "Whole lotta Rosie" .  Rather apt really because last night was the first proper storm of the year and it was named Angus.

The roads were badly flooded and covered in the wind driven detritus, it made for a dodgy journey.  Still got to the Golden Swan and had a lovely breakfast.

We discussed the day ahead, and I bemoaned the last trip my first team blank in 4 years.  I just wanted a pair of "eyes" I said just enough for a point.  At which point Bryan Jackson, said no probs today then Gaz here is a pair of eyes to weigh in.......... oh very funny.  Another joke on me.

Then we got our game heads on we may be a few points ahead but that means nothing in this league.  So we drew well Mark did. Peg 3 and I had section D .  All the sections were at Milkhouse so we braved the 18 inch deep flood on Burbage road and made our way to Milkhouse.

Long walk up and around the bend toward Pains Bridge fortunately its a lovely tarmac path.  I would have liked peg 2 its a bit of a flier protected from the wind and loads of features, but Ralph Hillier had that peg.  So settled in for the last match of the league.

Straight away it was clear that the my recent catches on this stretch with punch were not going to work, so I tried the Worm line a 1 ounce Perch was reward for 20 minutes.  The day ground on and we were struggling. Ralph to my right had a netable fish and we were all chasing him now.  Determined not to get too down I ended up working the 2 foot line for squat fish.  It was hard work with a bite every 5 minutes or so but i was patient. And kept at it.

Gary (Isis) too my left had to be beaten and so did Radcot to the left of him.  So head down and keep focused. Ralph reckoned I was catching him but he did have a a couple of  fish that were not bad .  Mine were about 4 to the ounce.

The day grew cold and I did try my other lines but with no joy.  A 5lb Pike was ramming my keep net and I had lost half a dozen hook lengths to smaller Jack pike.  The squat fish were now getting picky, the dotted down float barely registering movement.  Time and again I hit a bite to find a tiny pair of eyes hanging on to the tip of a squat only to drop off when I shipped in.  I must have lost at least a dozen fish like that.  Very frustrating.

The hot drink was pressing against the bladder and it was a struggle to get the layers of clothing off with numb fingers so that I could pee.

After 5 glorious hours that I will never get back the all out was called.

Peg 6 DNW , Pegs 5 (radcot) and 4 (Isis) weighed in 15 oz each, then me Peg 3 

1 lb 5 oz, Ralph next from the flier 2lb 2 oz the netable fish the difference between us. Finally Martin Aris 1 lb 3 oz with a couple of reasonable Roach on punch.

So back to the pub for the results:

Radcots Graham Didcot taking a point on Pewsey to close the gap with Pewsey Graham Godwin a creditable 2nd, and Leo 36rd

Section B next.

Another section win for Arran Pickett he has been consistently good through this comp. Well done to Mark Russ for his second so that's 2 seconds keeping us just in front.

C Section

Felt sorry for Chris Rushton  (reigning Winter league champion), plagued by toothache and earache, he has been mullerd on both sides, which wipes out the lead we had specially with ISIS and Radcot first and second.

Its squeaky bum time as we get to D section. But another 2nd in section from me keeps us in the hunt.

E section, around by Pains Bridge out of the wind and the weights (fish ) have moved into the shelter better weights here. Bryan Jackson (Summer League Champ) beaten by both Radcot and ISIS A, makes it very tight again and the sweat is on again.

Finally the longest walk and section F by Pains Bridge.  Brian was not looking forward to this area its not been the most productive for him.  However, he should not of worried as he won the section , indeed he had framed.

But with ISIS A and Radcot 2nd and third, the squeeze was on had we done it?

So back to the Golden Swan for the final results lots to add up , not just the match results today but the final tallies for the teams and the individuals . Who had won the Brian Webb trophy.


So to the Individuals, well done Arran Pickett, pipping Brian Shutler by 1 point to pick up the Brian Webb trophy.  Graham Godwin third.

The team results next and the reverse order announcement adding to the tension, finally relief as we realised we have won it.  Get in!!!! Step forward team Captain to pick up the trophy, and the cameras start clicking to record the moment  for  posterity.

  

Pewsey 1 = 126

Radcot = 121

House of Angling = 113

ISIS A = 111

Pewsey 2 = 82

ISIS B = 71

I maintain it was a club effort one team wins it, and the same team throughout except one match were Mark was on holiday.  So although Team 1 pick it up it was great to share the moment with all Pewsey Anglers.

The trophy is passed around.

The TEAM Captains.

See you next week