Matches 2025

15 June 2025 4th Aggregate - Grove Pond

It's tight at the top

A healthier turnout than the last match, 15 anglers fished and the regulars welcomed a new member Mick Hendy who managed a respectable first outing at tenth place.

First on the day was Joe Bowman with 8lb 2oz from peg 2, closely followed by Tony Brooker on peg 15 with 7lb 9oz, he was just 2 ounces ahead of third, Nathan Steele, peg 3 and 7lb 7oz on the scales.

It was pleasing to see that there were no dry nest although a few anglers really struggled for a few ounces, there were a couple of small carp taken and a few bream showed up.

For the overall rankings Steve Ferris remains in pole position despite dropping a few points and has been caught by Matt Andrew, both have 78 points but Steve is top by virtue of a greater weight but only 1lb 4oz separates these two anglers. Third is Gerry Austin on 67 points.

1 June 2025 3rd Aggregate - Grove Pond

A more even match

This was a much more even match than the first and second and all anglers weighed-in, however, only 10 members fished.

Top of the tree on the day was Ray Rolfe rise with 10lb 10oz from peg 19 which included a tench of 2lb 15oz, which is in the running for the tench cup this year. Exactly 1lb behing Ray was Tony Brooker who took 9lb 10oz to the scales from peg 7 and, almost exactly 1lb lighter was Gerry Austin who was third with 8lb 11oz from peg 3.

In addition to Ray's tench there was another fish weighed in contention for a cup, this was a 10oz roach taken by Tony Brooker

In the race for the aggregate trophy Steve Ferris leads the way, his two earlier second places and a fourth in this match giving him 61 points. He is closely followed by last year's winner, Matt Andrew who has just two point fewer on 59. Gerry Austin is in third place with 55 points

18 May 2025 2nd Aggregate - Grove Pond

Rising water temperature

This rise was triggering the carp into their annual amorous liaisons so generally they were out of the equation for a meaningful contribution to the weights. It also made pegging a little akward as the spawning sites were avoided. However, the weights were better than the first match and the competition for the top places was closer but there were still 4 Did Not Weigh (DNW) amongst the 13 anglers.

Last year's champion, Matt Andrew, on peg 19 took top honours with 16lb 2oz, Less than 2lb behind, with 14lb 4oz was Steve Ferris on peg 6 and 3rd place was Nathan Steele with 10lb 3oz from peg 9.

It was nice to see a lovely 1lb 3oz crucian, taken by Tony Brooker, Andy Moody took an 11oz rudd to the scales, both fish are leading contenders in the specimen cups.

There's no commentary on the overall standings as it's a bit early to make reasonable statements.

4 May 2025 Blind Pairs - Grove Pond

Incorporated into the 1st Aggregate

Conveniently an even number of anglers fished, making it easier to draw the blind pairings.

The results were decided by adding the points on the day for each member of the pairs. Derek Wilby and Joe Bowman took the title with 41 points (19 and 22 points each respectively).

Just 3 points behind, in second was Matt Andrew and Stuart Harrop with 38 points (20 & 18), third place was filled by Gerry Austin and Danny Dance.

There was some controversy regarding the allocation of pegs for disabled anglers and this was addressed at the meeting on 6 May. It was decided that, rather confine disabled anglers to the 3 pegs (3, 4 or 5), there would be a discussion with the match secretary before the start and all pegs that are accessible for the individuals would be included in the draw. However, in all match matters, the match secretary's decision is final.

4 May 2025 1st Aggregate - Grove Pond

Including Blind Pairs

The first match of the new aggregate series and 12 anglers turned out for a clear day with a cold northerly wind and the fishing was hard. 2 anglers failed to bother the scalesman but Joe Bowman stormed the day with 17lb 15oz from peg 3, consisting mainly of bream.

Steve Ferris was second with 6lb 4oz from peg 18 and Matt Andrew (last year's run-away champion) took third spot on peg 16 with 4lb 15oz.