For many anglers, one of the most important key subjects that some may recognise is very close to my heart is the camaraderie within our beloved sport.
Even on a more serious scene, for example on the match circuit, no matter how important and what level it may be, friendship and good fellowship helps bring out so much on a day out fishing.
It’s a thought this week as I reflected fondly upon the comradeship and respect shown to the organisers and competitors that took part in supporting the annual Claire House Club Challenge.
This year’s match, once again organised by Colin and Lin Cook, had 13 teams of eight anglers supporting this fantastic competition.
A competition that has helped raise £20,000 over the past two years and more than £21,000 this year, it’s one that has been helped by every single participant donating their winnings. This year Colin and Lin are hoping to reach their target of £22,500 to hit that magical £150,000 raised in total.
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Once again, with the teams split over five sections on Yewtree, Moreton Brickworks, Lingmere, Cheshire Oaks and Fireman’s, owned by Port Sunlight AC, this year’s event again saw an increase with 104 rods competing.
Within awful conditions as anglers battled with 40mph wind and driving rain, it saw the Rivacre AC win the top honours as they accumulated a cracking 20-point score between them.
Doran’s Diamonds took second place with a score of 37 points, closely followed by Sandbank with 38.
Individually, the top honours went to Kieran Smith (Riveracre) who hit the magic ton with a creditable 102.14.0. Laird’s rod Martin Carr took 97.2.0 for second place and team-mate John Power took 68.10.0 for third place. All three anglers were on Cheshire Oaks.
With the amazing generosity from everyone involved, along with the fellowship and support offered to the organisers of this fabulous charity, it clearly underlines here just what an incredible sport we’re privileged to be involved in.
Still on the club scene, on Sunday the Alliance saw their club sweep won by Andy Bolton.
Bolton took top honours on a tough day at the club lake with carp using ‘dobbed’ bread for 42.3.0. In-form Colin Pellow took a hard-earned 28.10.0 for second place as the 14.14.0 third place taken by Neil Finnegan underlined the tough day on the lake.
Following the second round of the Mersey Dockers Winter League held on Greens Lane, Upholland on Saturday, Steve Boyd Jnr took the day’s honours on this cracking little venue on Millhouse Fishery.
Boyd took carp for 66.0.0 using corn over micro pellet.
In second place was club secretary Gavin Charnock, who used the same formula to notch a creditable 44.12.0. Alan Miller took third place with 36.4.0.
St Helens AA are holding their AGM at Blackbrook Rugby Club on Thursday, January 26 at 7.30pm. All attending must present a current membership.
