364 days since the Midport massive last fished Lilys but, unfortunately, we weren’t blessed with last year’s victor Andrew Reynolds. Catching an impressive winning weight of 82lb 15oz many were looking forward to another good day’s fishing. A very light rain greeted the anglers but before long, some would say, we had ideal fishing conditions. A mild breeze and good cloud cover meant the fish seemed to be in the upper layers.

Scott Harding had been drawn the Golden Peg for the first time in 39 matches and on entry to the complex, according to the Fishery Manager, “All the matches are won from peg 24”. Things looked ominous for the £200 Golden Peg pot going Today. However, due to a lack of bankside maintenance, there were no whispers of people catching well circulating like usual. First to weigh, Scott laid down an impressive marker of 94lb 5oz.

Mark Walton had been catching all day having returned to the worm but his stamp of fish just wasn’t big enough to trouble Scott’s weight. Dave Tulloch weighed in a valiant 2 net effort but it all looked over and done with. Up stood Paul “Hold my pint” Nadin and weighed in 2 full bags, pipping Scott by 5lb.

Well done to Paul who now joins, a long-time member of the 99lb club, Remi.

Winning tactics on the day were bread long (Paul), casters shallow (Scott) and maggots shallow (Dave).

#HEROofthematch was Mark Walton who spotted and freed a kingfisher.  Hooked/tangled in fishing line Mark managed to cut free the bird, at a distance, before most people had even turned up.

(Overall winner) – Paul Nadin (99lb 13oz) – £50
(Section winner) – Scott Harding (94lb 5oz) – £30
(Section winner) – Dave Tulloch (83lb 4oz) – £30