Fourth time lucky for this fixture, which was originally planned for Sunday 1st February. Postponed and rearranged due to the constant flood conditions on the River Nene during February. The Old River Nene at Benwick was chosen and due to it being part of the Fenland drains it does not flood. A new venue for many of the anglers and some more overnight rain meant the steep banks were treacherous in places. However Sunday morning brought bright spring like sunshine and warm wind.
Ten anglers dodged the pot holes, gaping cracks and roller coaster sized bumps and made it successfully to Chapel Farm Fishery. Most made the one journey, but one decided he would do it again at speed when he realised he forgot his bait (Paul Dotchin). Never mind though, Alf drew him one of the flyers peg 1 in his absence!
Today anglers would be competing in the third round of the Deeping Individual League Series. A points based competition spread over five rounds. Plus they would also be competing in the second and final round of the Dawkins River Cup, fished over two rounds for best overall weight. This is the club’s newest trophy in honour of the late Dave Dawkins, a club bailiff for many years around the Crowland area. Last year’s Winner Alan Thomas goes into this round with a strong 5lb 2oz lead over Paul Dotchin and David Norville.
Winner on the day was Jason Chatham with 10lbs exactly from peg number 4. Jason settled onto the 3.5 and 4m whips after realising the fish were coming quicker on the inside line rather than shipping the pole. Fishing pinkies over loose fed pinkies to his left and pinkie over loose fed hemp to his right.
Second Place was David Norville with 9lb 8oz from peg number 9. David also opted to fish short using top kit or top kit plus one, fishing pinkie over ground bait.
Third place was Alan Thomas with 8lb 5oz from peg number 8. Alan fished the pole at 8m and 11m across, using single red maggot or pinkie over ground bait.
Alan’s weight added to his first round weight retained him the Dave Dawkins River Cup that he one last season by over 4lb.
Full Result
1st Jason Chatham 10 lbs 0 oz – Peg No. 4
2nd David Norville 9 lbs 8 oz – Peg No. 9
3rd Alan Thomas 8 lbs 5 oz – Peg No. 8
4th Paul Dotchin 7 lbs 14 oz – Peg No. 1
5th Andy P Wilson 7 lbs 8 oz – Peg No. 6
6th Des Dalton 6 lbs 12 oz – Peg No. 7
7th Ian Benton 5 lbs 8 oz – Peg No. 2
8th Derek Drover 5 lbs 3 oz – Peg No. 10
9th Alfie Kendall 4 lbs 14 oz – Peg No. 5
10th Joe Brudenell 3 lbs 13 oz – Peg No. 3
