Match results/Events info

Inter-club (Abbey Cross/Saffron Walden)

Taylor's Lake (Abbey Cross water)

Triple Cup

Abbey Cross 68 points, Bishop's Stortford 81 and Saffron Walden 84.

Gary's day It was a full turn out for the Triple Cup between Bishop's Stortford / Abbey Cross / Saffron Walden with each side fielding 12 anglers (thanks Phil for taking one for the team as we had too many on the day). The venue for the day was Abbey Cross's Taylor's Lakes near Bishop's Stortford. It was my first visit here and they were bigger than expected from the little glimpses you see when you walk along the Stort. With lily beds dotted around most swims it also looked very fishy. The match was definitely going to be one of 2 lakes with the Top Lake fishing a lot better than the Car Park Lake and with weights likely to be pretty close throughout all the teams were in with a shout. My home for the day was peg 45 on the Top Lake and it looked pretty good with some cover. It was a lot shallower than expected though at around 3 1/2 - 4 ft. We all had a lesson from Jeff Pearson a couple of pegs to my left as to how to fish Taylor's who had a great net of bream fishing patiently on a long pole for a winning 27lbs 4oz. My day was busy catching lots of small fish for middle table respectability with 4lbs but failing to hook into any bonus fish. Abbey Cross made good use of their venue knowledge to win with 68 points and then it was very tight with Bishop's Stortford on 81and Saffron Walden 84. Many thanks to Abbey Cross for hosting - can't wait for next year.

Inter-club (Abbey Cross)

Hall Farm Large Lake

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Bishop's Stortford won with 66 points to Abbey Cross's 68 - a very tight result. 1st Phil Whitmill 62lbs 7oz 2nd Martin Adams 59lbs 5oz 3rd Bob Fox 51lbs 5oz 4th Tony Cruci 38lbs 8oz 5th Jeff Pearson 29lbs 10oz

Phil's day Hi to everyone, I fished the interclub match against Abbey Cross on Weds. It was on our water at Hall Farm so not too worried about drawing a good peg as it can be won from most pegs. I got the last peg from the bag and it was peg 26 its a very good and consistent peg. I made up 3 pole rigs and a pellet waggler, cupped out on my pole lines corn and pellet with a little groundbait, started off on the wag but the wind was to stiff so soon abandoned that so on to my pole lines. I concentrated on my margins as that was where I thought I would do the best, It was half eleven before I got my first bite a good carp of 4lbs or so. From then on picked up the odd one but mostly from the same spot. I lost a few in the heavy weed to my left and was very lucky to have got a decent 6 pounder from out of the rushes to my extreme right - it must have taken a 15 yard run but it came out the way it went in lucky or what. I finished the day with a respectable 62lbs 7oz for first place 1st Phil Whitmill 62lbs 7oz, 2nd was Martin Adams with 59lbs 5oz, 3rd was Bob Fox with 51lbs 5oz, 4th Tony Cruci with 38lbs 8oz and 5th Jeff Pearson with 29lbs 10oz . I was pleased that the lake fished so well with that many anglers. Pic is Barry Cornel with Alan Sims and Tony Parker

Inter-club (Saffron Walden)

Bordeaux Pits (Saffron Walden water)

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Saffron Walden won with 62 points to Bishop's Stortford's 74 points 1st Roger Phillips 9lbs 3oz 2nd Dennis Gowlett 9lbs 2oz 3rd Graham Carter 8lbs 8oz

A very tricky day was had by all at Bordeaux Pit as the lake fished hard. Roger Phillips was handed peg 14 and managed two carp (count as 2lbs) and 5lbs 3oz of skimmers and roach to take the win. Dennis Gowlett pushed Roger all the way from peg 26 with a large F1 and a mixture of silvers to take second with 9lbs 2oz. Graham Carter drew peg 28 and managed three carp and some silvers to weigh in 8lbs 8oz. Saffron Walden won with 62 points to Bishop's Stortford's 74 points. 1st Roger Phillips 9lbs 3oz, 2nd Dennis Gowlett 9lbs 2oz and 3rd Graham Carter 8lbs 8oz. Pic is Roger's back up weight of silvers.

Charity match (Grove Cottage)

Hall Farm Large Lake

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Wednesday Club

River Stort Backwater

N/A

1st Terry Moranda 4lbs 2nd Dave Fuller 1lb 10oz 3rd Tony Cruci 1lb 9 oz Jt 4th Fred Hunt 1lbs Jt 4th Tony Parker 1lb

Phil's day Morning to all, the Weds club fished our Backwater (river). Although it might have been to early in the year it was a trial and error job. We had 10 turn up so well supported, I drew peg 10 probably the worst peg on the river but your peg is what it is. Got to my peg and had to spend half an hour cutting back bushes and trees. Seems to be the norm for me just lately. Made up two lines; one over by my barge about 9 meters and a bread line down the middle. Fed red maggots and a bit of hemp by the barge and bread crumb down the middle. Started off on the bread punch with very little response but stuck with it as it can sometimes take a while to work. After a hour with only 1 small roach and a chublet I decided to go over to the barge, this was not much better. I got two small perch then nothing so switched back on bread for a couple more small roach. For the rest of the match I kept switching back and forth and ended the day with 15 oz for 5th. 1st place was Terry Moranda with 4lbs, 2nd was Dave Fuller with 1lb 10oz, 3rd was Tony Cruci with 1lb 9 oz and joint 4th Fred Hunt and Tony Parker with 1lb each. The pic is John Todd part angler and part green bowls player.

Club match

Home Farm

Stone Cup (2 of 2)

1st Phil Whitmill 98lbs 11oz 2nd Toby Cruci 84lbs 11oz 3rd Mark Halverson 67lbs 8oz Winner of Stone Cup Tony Cruci 174lbs 15oz

1st Phil Whitmill 98lbs 11oz 2nd Toby Cruci 84lbs 11oz 3rd Mark Halverson 67lbs 8oz

Inter-club (Saffron Walden)

Beggars Hall

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Saffron Walden took the win overall with 62 points to Bishop's Stortford's 74 1st Roger Philips 58lbs 11oz 2nd Grayham Carter 30lbs 8oz 3rd Jeff Pearson 21lbs 6oz

Phil's day Hi all, the Weds team fished at Beggars Hall in the interclub match with Saffron Walden. I had a full team of 10 anglers so all the pegs had to be put in. I drew peg 15 - bad peg but you got to make the most of it. Made up two lines on the pole and got the feeder and pellet wag - out these two were going to be my best bet. I cupped out some micro pellet and mixed it with some 6mm with some dead red maggot on what has now become 3 lines on the pole. Started off on the feeder with a small lead and tea bag of mixed pellet sat there for a hour or more to know this was not working. Onto my pellet wag I had been feeding 4 and 6 mm pellets most of the morning so gave it a go but no luck there. So onto the pole, tried all my lines nothing, so decided to sit it out for roach and perch. Five tiny fish later and the match was over. I weighed in 5oz to come last but I did weigh in. 1st Roger Philips with 58lbs 11oz, 2nd was Grayham Carter with 30lbs 8oz, 3rd Jeff Pearson with 21lbs 6oz, section winners were sec 1 Barry Cornel with 12lbs 4oz, sec 2 Peter Green with 20lbs 3oz and sec 3 Dennis Gowlet with 13lbs 11oz. Saffron Walden took the win overall. Pic is one of our newest members Dave Knapp.

Wednesday Club

Beggars Hall

Summer League

1st Fred Hunt 9lbs 8oz 2nd Jeff Pearson 7lbs 4oz 3rd Barry Pegram 7lbs 2oz 4th Ray Gibson 6lbs 7oz

Phil's day Hi all, fished the weds club match at Malcolm Barker Lake it was our 5th round of our summer league and all to play for its getting close for several anglers. I drew peg 2 which, to be honest is a very good peg, but I have broken more sections of pole on that peg then on any other lake and yesterday was no exception. It was my 6th section got into a big carp and straight in the lily pads. I managed to get the pole out with some clever thinking but lost about 1 hour of my match but that's how it goes. I fed sweetcorn and pellet for the day and fished corn as hookbait - it got me a couple of tench and one lost tench and a couple of pound of rudd and roach to weigh in with 5lbs 11oz for 5th place. 1st was Fred Hunt with 9lbs 8oz, 2nd Jeff Pearson with 7lbs 4oz, 3rd was Barry Pegram with 7lbs 2oz and 4th Ray Gibson with 6lbs 7oz, well done to all. Photo is Ray Gibson one of our oldest of our group.

Memorial open

Hall Farm Large Lake

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Inter-club (Abbey Cross)

Hunters Hall (Abbey Cross water)

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Abbey Cross took the day with 44 pints to our 34 points 1st Martin Adams 33lbs 3oz 2nd Peter Green 32lbs 4oz 3rd Ray Gibson 22lbs 7oz 4th Tony Cruci 12lbs 7oz

Phil's day Hi all, fished against Abbey Cross team in a interclub match at their lake Hunters Hall. It was not a big turn out but still was enough. I drew peg 3 and, as I remembered, not a bad peg. I made up two lines at 12 meters one to my left and the other at 8 meters in slightly shallower water. Fed corn and 4mm pellet and fished small bits of corn. Started off catching a few nice roach but had too heavy an elastic on so soon changed that for a more suitable one. Gone back to where I was catching and the fish had gone. Went on to struggle for the rest of my day catching the odd rudd. I weighed in 1lb 15oz and managed to beat Kenny on the next peg. 1st Martin Adams with 33lbs 3oz, 2nd Peter Green with 32lbs 4oz, 3rd Ray Gibson with 22lbs 7oz and 4th Tony Cruci with 12lb 7oz, well done to all. Abbey Cross win. Photo is Barry Pegram a recent new member.

Club match

Beggars Hall

Clive Costema Memorial Cup

1st Gary Pickard 67lbs 8oz 2nd Jeff Pearson 46lbs 7oz 3rd Peter Green 45lbs 12oz

Gary's day It was a day that seems to be typical for this summer - feeling more like autumn with a regular sprinkling of rain as the day went along. I pulled out peg 20 so was hoping for a good days fishing. 2 hours in and no bites the plan was not going well - not a sign near the lilies where I thought they would be queueing up. Finally I managed to pick up a carp on the pellet waggler in the middle after feeding the line from the start. The peg slowly started to come to life as the afternoon progressed and, by being patient on the feeder, I managed to put a few fish together ending up with 11 carp for 67lbs.

Club match

Hall Farm Large Lake

His 'n' Hers

1st Gary and Jane 91lbs 13oz 2nd Jeff and Sally-Ann 38lbs 14oz 3rd Ken and Liz 20lbs 8oz 4th John and Hilary 19lbs 1oz Heaviest weight on the day was Jane with 47lbs 13oz

Many thanks to Robin for organizing the day Gary's day I am not quite sure how it happened but Jane agreed to fish this year's match - I think the lockdown and lack of netball games had left her with a competitive itch to scratch. In typical British summer style we had fantastic weather until the last 30 mins or so when it poured down - followed by more sun. We got off to an ideal start pulling out 1st choice of peg on this rover match so it as peg 2 for us. The plan was simple - maggots and a bit of groundbait for silvers on 2+2 (as that was all I had from an old pole) for Jane and longer pole for me for better fish. Well you know what they say about plans. It started as expected with Jane swinging in some nice roach and rudd from the off whilst I struggled for a bite until they got their heads down. It then changed and I ended the day with a neckache from constantly turning round to see Jane into another F1. It was a very busy 4 hours and flew past. And yes Jane did pip me to the win! There were plenty of bites to be had at Hall Farm and it was a busy day for all - looking forward to next year. 1st Gary and Jane 91lbs 13oz 2nd Jeff and Sally-Ann 38lbs 14oz 3rd Ken and Liz 20lbs 8oz 4th John and Hilary 19lbs 1oz Heaviest weight on the day was Jane with 47lbs 13oz

Wednesday Club

Hall Farm Large Lake

Summer League

1st Tony Cruci 62lbs 4oz 2nd Tony Parker 50lbs 11oz 3rd Peter Green 49lbs 12oz 4th Jeff Pearson 41lbs 8oz

Phil's day Hi all I fished the Weds club match at Hall Farm it was our 4th round in the summer league. I drew peg 22, its a. ok peg but you have got to work hard for your fish. I made up 3 lines on the pole; 1 at 8 meters and one each side of the margins. I also made up a pellet wag and a feeder just in case. Fed my pole lines with a bit of dead red maggots and 4&6 mm pellet. Started off on the pellet wag with not much luck, I stuck with this for over 1 1/2 hours with no response so on to my 8 meter line with no luck. So down the margin to my right not even a silvers bite. So after a decent amount of time onto my left margin and had a couple of half bites so persistent pays off and got my first carp about 2lbs. Fished this margin for a good amount of time before it died a death so back to my right side and caught carp but kept loosing them. After about 8 lost fish and a few alterations to the rig I landed a couple then the weather kicked in with a downpour so up with the brolly and off went the fish. I picked off the odd one before the end of the match to weigh in 37lbs 11oz 1st Tony Cruci with 62lbs 4oz, 2nd Tony Parker with 50lbs 11oz, 3rd Peter Green with 49lbs 12oz, 4th Jeff Pearson with 41lbs 8oz. The photo is Tony Cruci on the flyer

Club match

Malcolm Barker Lake

Ralph Jarvis Rose Bowl (1 of 2)

1st Mark Halverson 21lbs 13oz 2nd Phil Whitmill 18lbs 5oz 3rd Gary Pickard 12lbs 9oz

Gary's day I managed to pull out peg 10 (Tony's favourite peg) from the draw bag so had hopes of a few fish. It was going to be a simple day; maggot for anything that swims and corn for a tench or 2. When I got to the peg I was surprised by how much weed has grown in MBL this year (thank you Fred for clearing some of this). The plan sort of worked but not well enough - I managed a couple of tench (and thankfully they came through the weed) and kept busy with some nice roach and rudd but my 12lbs was not enough. Well done Mark for doing something a bit different pulling together a great net of 21lbs on paste.

Inter-club (Saffron Walden)

Bordeaux Pits (Saffron Walden water)

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Saffron Walden won with 67 points to Bishop's Stortford's 87 1st Roger Philips 17lbs 11oz 2nd Fred Hunt 13lbs 13oz 3rd Sam Robinson 11lbs 4oz 4th Mark Evens 9lbs 10oz 5th Kieron Mcdonagh 8lbs 5oz

Phil's day Hi all on this summers day, the Weds club fished Saffron Walden club lake on a interclub match. I drew peg 26, by all accounts a good peg. I made 3 pole rigs up, 1 very lightweight for skimmers and roach and two for carp. Started off cupping in some 3mm pellets and a bit of corn on two lines and fed 6mm pellets on my margin and to the point of the island. My main bait for the silvers was maggots but they had died in the hot sun so relied on corn as pellets also dried up so pretty limited but managed on what I had and, of course, bread. [Editor - Phil with bread, never]. Had a good run on silvers in the morning but they dried up about 1ish so down the margin knowing full well that if I got hit by a big carp I would have no chance. First fish a small f1 about half a pound on bread then 2 more a bit later of about one and a half pound then the big carp moved in. 2 hook lengths later and 3 completely smashed rigs later time was up. The average carp is going on 15 to 20 lbs but not too bothered as all mirror and commons only count as 2lbs in these matched. Still would be nice to have landed one. I weighed in 8lb 4oz and came 6th. 1st Roger Philips with 17lbs 11oz, 2nd Fred Hunt with 13lbs 13oz, 3rd Sam Robinson with 11lbs 4oz, 4th Mark Evens with 9lbs 10oz, 5th Kieron Mcdonagh with 8lbs 5oz. Photo is Bishop's Stortford member Terry Moranda. Just like to say a big thanks to Saffron Walden club for making us feel welcome. Saffron Walden won with 67 points to Bishop's Stortford's 87

Club match

Home Farm

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Charity match (BHF)

Hall Farm Large Lake

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1st Gary Pickard 76lbs 2oz [PLACINGS TO ADD]

Many thanks to all who fished the match which raised over £100 for the BHF Gary's day It was a hot and sunny day with the F1s driving everyone nuts cruising up and down the middle but showing no interest in feeding until later on. Peg 18 was my spot for the day - half way along the dam bank. It was slow start sneaking a couple early on along the margins on paste but it was hard work and they really did not want to be on the bottom. After flogging the water to death with a waggler for while trying to persuade some of the cruisers to feed it was time to try something else. Out came some groundbait and by feeding small balls of slop a couple of fish paused long enough to be caught and it was a different peg. I had a great run of fish in the second half of the match and finished with just over 76lbs for a win. [PLACINGS TO ADD]

Wednesday Club

Beggars Hall

N/A

1st Peter Green 59lbs 5oz 2nd Terry Moranda 40lbs 6oz 3rd Gary Pickard 37lbs 6oz Jt 4th Jeff Pearson 22lbs Jt 4th Tony Parker 22lbs

Phil's day Good morning all, I fished the Weds club match at Beggars Hall. It was a bit chilly but dry. I drew peg 3 not a bad peg - it's one of those pegs that used to be brilliant but has gone downhill for the last year or so. I made up three methods: pellet wag; feeder on tea bag method; the pole at 12 meters in open water and 8 meters to the branches of a willow tree. Cupped in pellet and corn on my pole lines and started off on feeder with banded pellet and a tea bag of the same. Within ten mins had my first and my last carp. Got silvers on the pole line but that's it - weighed in 9lbs 7oz so a decent carp. 1st Peter Green with 59lbs 5oz, 2nd Terry Moranda with 40lbs 6oz, 3rd Gary Pickard with 37lbs 6oz, joint 4th was Jeff Pearson and Tony Parker with 22lbs. Well done to all no blanks. Pic is Dave Fuller who ran the BHF charity match at Hall Farm at the weekend.

Inter-club (Saffron Walden)

Malcolm Barker Lake

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Saffron Walden beat Bishop's Stortford 1st James Gillard 11lbs 6oz 2nd Sam Robinson 8lbs 15oz 3rd Dennis Gowlett 8lbs 10oz

1st James Gillard 11lbs 6oz 2nd Sam Robinson 8lbs 15oz 3rd Dennis Gowlett 8lbs 10oz

Water booking

Hall Farm Small Lake

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A big thank you to the Club from 1st Thorley Scouts. Despite it raining non-stop all evening until we were packing up we had a big turnout (20+ scouts) and everyone had a great time. The roach and rudd were very obliging and we managed to avoid too many encounters with the carp.

Wednesday Club

Hall Farm Large Lake

Over 65 cup

1st Phil Whitmill 72lbs 13oz 2nd Terry Moranda 70lbs 2oz 3rd Jeff Pearson 66lbs 8oz

Phil's day Hi all, no its not Weds. Held the over 65s match on Friday at Hall Farm. Bit of a low turnout but it's not a usual fishing day. I drew peg 8 - a good peg so full of hope for the day ahead. Made up 2 pole lines: 1 at the first drop off at 12ft deep; and 1 for the margins. Got the feeder rod set up and a pellet waggler for up in the water. Started off feeding the pole lines with pellet and bread with a few mags. Started off on the feeder but felt this was the wrong approach so put that up the bank. Then onto my pole lines - this produced a few gudgeon and roach i chucked them back as this is a one off match and they would do me no good. So onto the wag. I got some interest half way out on the lake so started mucking about with the depth on my rig until I found where they were. Took me about a hour before my first carp but for the rest of the morning picked up the odd few. It went very quiet about 1ish so back on the pole - they had turned up and I had 6 good sized carp down the margin before they went. So back to the wag. At one point it was 1 a cast instantly went on to win the match by default not a satisfying way to win but a win is a win. 1st Phil Whitmill with 72lbs 13oz, 2nd Terry Moranda with 70lbs 2oz and 3rd Jeff Pearson with 66lbs 8oz. Well done to all very good weights on all pegs, this makes me over 65s champion for the year. Unlucky to Tel maybe you will buy a clicker then you can keep track of your net weight😆 [Editor - never I nice feeling when you mess up your guestimates on weight]

Inter-club (Abbey Cross)

Malcolm Barker Lake

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Abbey Cross won with 90 points to Bishop's Stortford's 58 1st Martin Adams 17lbs 14oz 2nd Peter Green 14lbs 6oz 3rd Fred Hunt 10lbs 11oz 4th Ken Farnell 7lbs 5oz 5th Phil Whitmill 5lbs 4oz

Phil's day Hi all, fished the Weds interclub match against Abbey cross on the Malcolm Barker Lake. The weather conditions was a bit iffy but at least it stayed dry long enough to get set up. I drew peg 6 - not a bad peg but it had got very weedy and it made it very difficult to fish. Started off making up two match tops both at the same depth - one a little heavy then the other the lighter rig was 2lb hooklength with a 18 fine wire match hook and the other with 16 fine wire hook with 4lb hooklength. Started off on the heavy rig just in case - sometimes you get the odd carp take a very small bait but nothing. So on to the lightweight rig - started off catching small skimmers and roach with an odd better roach or rudd now and again. Stuck with this all day as I was looking for a match weight of around 3 to 4 lbs to get me up in the points. In the last half hour of the match done in my light rig in the weed - not surprised really as I got caught up in it most of the day. the rig was not salvageable so on to my second heavier rig. The bites slowed right down then out the blue a small tench of a 1lb or so to finish the day. I weighed in 5lb 4oz for 5th place. Well done to the framers 1st Martin Adams with 17lbs 14oz, 2nd Peter Green with 14lbs 6oz, 3rd Fred Hunt with 10lbs 11oz, 4th Ken Farnell with 7lbs 5oz and 5th Phil Whitmill 5lbs 4oz. Pic is Fred Hunt on peg 3. Abbey Cross won with 90 points to Bishop's Stortford's 58

Club match

Hall Farm Large Lake

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1st Gary Pickard 75lbs 3oz 2nd Mark Halverson 64lbs 14oz 3rd Perter Green 63lbs 9oz

Gary's day It was a not so summery day with a rainy start and struggling to get above 18c or so. Thankfully the fish did not seem too bothered - just us anglers. I pulled peg 5 - a middling peg in the middle of the lake. The beauty though of Hall Farm is that it is a pretty fair venue and you have a decent chance from lots of pegs. I had a great start on the feeder picking up a couple within minutes before the line switched off. On to Plan B. A quick try down the margins saw a few signs but it was just too early so it was time for something else. A try out long on pole did not work but pushing out a bit further on the waggler finally saw a few fish heading my way. And then it was time to try the margins again and this time there were a few fish there. The lake fished pretty well and I ended up with 75lbs with a couple of 60s - there were only a few fish in it as some of the F1s and carp here are getting pretty chunky now.

Inter-club (Saffron Walden)

Hall Farm Large Lake

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Bishop's Stortford won with 76 points to Saffron Walden's 86 points 1st Sam Robinson 50lbs 15oz 2nd Colin Pegram 24lbs 13oz 3rd Peter Green 23lbs 7oz 4th Phil Whitmill 21lbs 4oz 5th Dave Fuller 18lbs 2oz

Phil's day Hi all, fished the Weds interclub match against Saffron Walden at Hall Farm. The weather conditions were more like October than the end of June. I drew peg 20 - not a bad peg but time will tel. Got the feeder out and a pellet wag and the pole for 10 meters and down the margin. Fed a mix of micro and 6mm pellet in the margin and red maggots at 4 meters in front as it was a power top deep at that distance. Started off on the feeder but after a hour not a bite so down the margin but still nothing so out in front and had a couple bites - not to sure but stuck with it. By 12ish got my first carp, carried on with this line but that was it so back to the feeder. Still nothing on the feeder so back to the margins and got another carp. I had the odd further carp so back in front for the last hour and managed to pick off a few more for a finishing weight of 21lbs 4oz for 4th place. All fish I caught were on bread. Congrats to the framers 1st Sam Robinson with 50lbs 15oz, 2nd Colin Pegram with 24lbs 13oz, 3rd Peter Green with 23lbs 7oz, 4th Phil Whitmill 21lbs 4oz and 5th was Dave Fuller with 18lbs 2oz. Many thanks to Fred and Sam for helping me clear swims and weighing in one bank very much appreciated. Pic is Peter Green and Jeff Pearson. Bishop's Stortford won with 76 points to Saffron Walden's 86 points.

Club match

Beggars Hall

John Pretious Memorial Cup

1st Mark Halverson 68lbs 1oz 2nd Peter Green 32lbs 15oz 3rd Gary Pickard 29lbs 10oz

1st Mark Halverson 68lbs 1oz 2nd Peter Green 32lbs 15oz 3rd Gary Pickard 29lbs 10oz

Wednesday Club

Malcolm Barker Lake

Summer League

1st Peter Green 7lbs 7oz 2nd Colin Pegram 7lbs 4oz 3rd Terry Moranda 4lbs 8oz 4th Fred Hunt 4lbs

Phil's day Morning to all, we fished the Weds club match at Malcolm Barker. It was a lovely day weather wise after the last week and that's where it stopped. It fished rock hard. I was expecting to catch at least 6 to 8lbs of small stuff with a tench or bream but no. Started off on the pole cupping out some micro pellet and red maggots only made up the one line as its not a margin water. I had the same depth at 3 meters and at 12 meters I also had the feeder to cast to a weed bed but this never produced. Stayed on my 10 meter and 12 meter lines all day for a handsome weight of 1lb 10 oz all small stuff. Well done to the framers 1st Peter Green with 7lbs 7oz, 2nd Colin Pegram with 7lbs 4oz, 3rd Terry Moranda 4lbs 8oz and 4th Fred Hunt with 4lbs. A special thanks to Fred for clearing John's tree and putting up the plaque. The photo is Peter Green.

Club match

Home Farm

Stone Cup (1 of 2)

1st Tony Cruci 90lbs 4oz 2nd Phi Whitmill 50lbs 2oz 3rd Terry Tucker 35lbs 7oz

1st Tony Cruci 90lbs 4oz 2nd Phi Whitmill 50lbs 2oz 3rd Terry Tucker 35lbs 7oz

Wednesday Club

Beggars Hall

N/A

1st Phill Whitmill 54lbs 13oz 2nd Terry Moranda 42lbs 9oz 3rd Peter Green 39lbs 15oz 4th Sam Robinson 32lbs 13oz

Phil's day Fished the Weds club match at Beggars Hall and the weather was well up to 30 degrees so plenty of cold drinks through the day was called for. I drew peg 17 today and virtually ran to my peg I have not drawn this side of the lake for more then a year it's a flyer but you never know. Made up a feeder rod, a pellet waggler and the pole for a 10 meter swim and down one margin. Cupped in some pellet and a little groundbait with some dead red maggots as the silver fish are not a problem in this lake. Started off on the feeder over by the island but after a hour not a touch. Then onto my pellet wag - had a small enquiry but no takes so tried my 10 meter line - nothing. Last place to try down the margin - nothing again. So much for a flyer of a peg. My back was getting very uncomfortable as I had slightly pulled it loading the car this morning so I got up for a walk to see Barry on the next peg. He wasn't doing much better so back to my peg and wait for some action. Come 1 pm got my wish with my first carp down in the margin on pole - about 10lb but nothing else. So back on on the waggler, after a few adjustments to depth got another carp of a good size. As the afternoon went on the waggler got better - finished my day off with 54lbs 13oz and came 1st with that. 1st Phill Whitmill 54lbs 13oz, 2nd Terry Moranda with 42 lb 9oz, 3rd Peter Green with 39lb 15oz, 4th Sam Robinson 32lb 13oz. I would like to thank Sam Robinson for his help with the weigh in - much needed.

Wednesday Club

Hall Farm Large Lake

N/A

1st Phil Whitmill 69lbs 14oz 2nd Tony Parker 63lbs 3rd Tony Cruci 52lbs 15oz 4th Jeff Pearson 50lbs 6oz

Phil's day Hi all fished the Weds club match at Hall Farm for the 3rd time in a row. The weather was baking hot 28C - it was great. I drew peg 22 not a bad peg but not done much good over the last few months. Kept my plan simple - 3 pole lines and pellet wag. Started off cupping out some groundbait and pellet on my 7 meters and two margins. With every other peg in I fancied my chances. Started off on my pellet wag had 2 about 2lbs each almost instantly then got busted up in weed on a real fish after that it went quiet so down the margin. Had 3 or 4 of about 2lbs each then that went quiet so back on the wag with 10 mm bread and that started to work for some better quality fish about 4lb or so Between that and the margins I had a good day - lost a few but it happens finished my day by being broke up with a minute to go. I weighed in 69lbs 14oz for 1st place at last. 1st Phil Whitmill 69lbs 14oz, 2nd Tony Parker with 63lbs, 3rd Tony Cruci with 52lbs 15oz, 4th Jeff Pearson with 50lbs 6oz well done to all who fished. Photo is me.

Inter-club (Saffron Walden)

Hall Farm Large Lake

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Bishop's Stortford won by 94 points to Saffron Walden's 122 points 1st Phil Whitmill 39lbs 14oz 2nd Sam Robinson 43lbs

Phil's day It's a Sun inter-club match between Saffron Walden and Bishop's Stortford. I drew peg 3 today 2 away from where I would like to be but not too unhappy. Made up two lines for the pole and a pellet wag and a feeder but put my faith in the pole today. Cupped out some 4mm pellet and a little groundbait at 10 meters and down the margin some of the same with some dead red maggot for good measure. Tried the feeder to start with not a touch so put that up the bank and on to the pellet wag. A few enquiries but no takes so that followed up the bank with the feeder. Went on pole line at 10 meters with 4 and six mm pellet nothing so concentrated on my margins that's where I thought I would catch. Eventually had my first carp at half eleven only small but something to work on then started to pick off a few more of 2 to 3 pounds then by 3pm it died a death so got my up in the water rig and managed to pick 1 or 2 much better size 5lb or so carp. Finished off back in the margins for the last half hour but no joy ended up with 39lbs 14oz for 2nd place only to be beaten by Sam by 1 good fish Sam had 43lbs Stortford had the win by 94 points to 122 points Saffron Walden

Inter-club (Abbey Cross)

Nazeing (Abbey Cross water)

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Abbey Cross won with 59 points to Bishop's Stortford's 49 points 1st Martin Adams 108lb 4 oz 2nd Sam Robinson 67lb 8oz 3rd Terry Moranda 66lb 13oz 4th Alan Fox 28lb 4oz 5th Tony Parker 20lb 12oz

Phil's day Hi everyone, fished the interclub match against Abbey Cross on Weds. It was held on their club lake in Nazeing. This lake is an all or nothing lake - very peggy as are most lakes are at the moment. I drew peg 21 - not fished it before but its in the right area. I had taken 2 sets of rods; 1 heavy for the big carp and 1 a bit lighter in case they were a bit shy. Started off at 30 odd meters with my heavy rod with a large method feeder and while this was waiting to work started to pult out pellet for my up in the water rods. To cut a dull day down I blanked - did not have a bite not even a liner but peg 22 next to me had 108lbs casting down to a bay on his left. Well done to all even though we lost a good effort was made by the team Abbey Cross 59 points to Bishop's Stortford's 49 points 1st Martin Adams with 108lb 4 oz, 2nd Sam Robinson with 67lb 8oz, 3rd Terry Moranda with 66lbs 13oz, 4th Alan Fox with 28lbs 4oz and 5th Tony Parker 20lb 12oz

Wednesday Club

Hall Farm Large Lake

Summer League

1st Terry Moranda 56lb 11oz 2nd Peter Green 45lb 2oz 3rd David Jones 31lb 8oz 4th Phil Whitmill 23lb 3oz

Phil's day A good morning to all, fished the 2nd leg of our Weds club match at Hall Farm. The weather forecast was going to be a warm 18 degrees with a light breeze. I suppose somewhere in the UK it might have reached that but not where we were - at least it was dry. My day started off at the draw 3 from last to draw and pulled peg 2 wow its close to the car park and has a good history of large weights so I was full of hope. Started off with an 8 meter line on pole and two margins and a feeder for back up but most of my hopes were the margins. I also had my pellet wag but considered it far to windy for that. Cupped out some micros and some 4 mm pellet and in each margin a little pellet and maggots. Tried the 8 meter line but hard to get presentation so opted for my left hand margin as at least I could hold it steady. I had my first carp around 11ish about 2lb - about average stamp - then went on to pick up the odd one now and again. Got to about 3ish with 30 mins to go and I hit one of the big ones. In the blink of my eye it was in the rushes I was well hooked up but he was still on so put extra side strain on and - bang - 4th sec of the pole snapped. Finished the day with 23lbs 3oz and 4th place. Well done to all 1st place Terry Moranda with 56lb 11oz, 2nd Peter Green with 45lb 2oz, 3rd David Jones with 31lb 8 oz and 4th Phil Whitmill with 23lb 3oz

Wednesday Club

Beggars Hall

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1st Mark Halverson 45lb 11oz 2nd Peter Green 37lb 4oz 3rd Jeff Pearson 27lb 8oz 4th Terry Moranda 22lb 3oz

Phil's day Hi to everyone, fished Beggars Hall on the Weds match. With the forecast on the weather being a bad day rain wise I wanted to draw with the wind on my back; no chance drew peg 5 with the wind in my face. It's not a bad peg but has not fished any good for the most of winter. Made two pole lines and the method feeder for distance work. I kicked things off cupping in some mags and micro pellet at 10 meters and a corn line in one margin and bread and mags on the other side. Started off on the feeder and after 2 hours with nothing gave up on that so tried my pole lines. Had nothing at 10 meters so I went down the margin on the corn but nothing so onto my bread line. Had a few roach but nothing else so back on the feeder and still nothing. So with only a hour left I decided to fish for the roach in the hopes a carp came my way. Finished the day with 2lb of roach and thanks for coming at least the rain held off all day and managed to do the whole weigh in in the dry 1st was Mark Halverson with 45lb 11oz peg 16, 2nd Peter Green with 37lb 4oz peg 3, 3rd Jeff Pearson 27lb 8oz peg 7 and 4th Terry Moranda with 22lb 3oz peg 18 well done to all. Photo my peg for the day.

Inter-club (Abbey Cross)

Beggars Hall

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Abbey Cross won with 75 points to Stortford's 90 points 1st Peter Green 14lbs 2nd Sam Robinson 11lbs 14oz 3rd Fred Hunt 9lsb 2oz 4th Alan Sims 8lbs 9oz

Phil's day Hi all, did our 2nd interclub against Abbey Cross and it was at Beggars Hall lake. The weather was bloody cold with the threat of rain at anytime. I drew peg 7, not a bad peg and has done quite well at times. Only set up one pole line at 7 sections hoping for the odd silver fish but most of the day was on the feeder. Started off cupping in some red maggot and micro pellet on my pole line. I made up the feeder with a hair rig for wafters as I was going to give it my all on this today. Gave the feeder a good try but nothing - not a touch so onto my pole line and that was just as bad. Didn't get a bite on any thing so I went as light as possible on the pole and this got me a small perch so I had a fish in the net. After a couple of downpours the sun came out. It was about 3ish and I thought put the feeder out again this time lighter rig and 3 red maggots while I pack the pole away in readiness for me to do the weigh in. At 10 past 3 the feeder rapped round at last something proper to weigh in it was a 8lb 2oz common carp phew that was my last fish before the end. Weighed in 8lbs 3oz for 5th overall. 1st Peter Green with 14lbs, 2nd Sam Robinson with 11lbs 14oz, 3rd Fred Hunt with 9lbs 2oz, 4th Alan Sims with 8lbs 9oz. Stortford lost by 90 points to Abbey Cross's 75 points.

Wednesday Club

Hall Farm Large Lake

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1st Tony Parker 54lbs 3oz 2nd Peter Green 40lbs 3oz 3rd Fred Hunt 25lbs 8oz 4th Steve Foster 24lbs 1oz

Phil's day Hi all, fished the Weds club match at Hall Farm. The weather had taken a bit of a tumble but at least it was dry. Only 10 anglers today so I decided to use only one side of the lake. I drew peg 11 not a good peg but you never know. Made up 3 pole lines: one at 7 meters at a depth of 12 foot; one for the margins; and an up in the water rig; and then a feeder just in case. Started off cupping in micro pellet and red maggots and left that to work while I fished the feeder. After 20 mins had my first carp about a 1lb or so so stuck with the feeder for another hour but nothing, not a touch so onto my long line. Nothing so tried my margins and had a few roach and rudd but that's all. Back on the feeder and half hour later another carp about a 1lb. With half a hour to go I noticed a couple of carp moving about so on to my shallow rig set about 10 inches and had a couple of enquiries but no takes. The guy on peg next to me had packed up and came over to talk to me - I just took my eyes off the float for a second and next thing my pole is being pulled round and ended the day with 7lb 13oz and came nowhere. Well done to the framers 1st Tony Parker with 54lbs 3oz, 2nd Peter Green with 40lbs 3oz, 3rd Fred Hunt with 25lbs 8oz and 4th Steve Foster with 24lbs 1oz.

Wednesday Club

Beggars Hall

Summer League

1st Terry Moranda 38lbs 2oz 2nd Fred Hunt 17lbs 3rd Jeff Pearson 16lbs 3oz 4th Terry Tucker 13lbs 6oz

Phil's day Hi all, fished our first summer league match yesterday at our club lake Beggars Hall. I drew peg 10 was not impressed to say the least. Still your draw is pure luck as to what you get. Started off cupping out some red maggot and micro pellet in the hopes this will bring a few bites. I also made up the feeder and started off on this to the island - not a touch after a hour. I then tried my 10 meter pole line and had a roach and stayed with this until the bites dried up then back onto the feeder but nothing. Back to the pole and still nothing finished off with 1lbs 14oz and nowhere. Congrats to the framers 1st Terry Moranda with 38lbs 2oz, 2nd Fred Hunt 17lbs, 3rd Jeff Pearson 16lbs 3oz and 4th Terry Tucker 13lbs 6oz

Wednesday Club

Malcolm Barker Lake

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1st Tony Parker 14lbs 2oz 2nd Phil Whitmill 8lbs 13oz 3rd Barry Cornel 6lbs 4oz 4th Peter Green 4lbs 1oz

Phil's day Hi all, its a bit late but fished the Weds match at the Malcolm Barker club lake, but first we had some personal business to attend to. We planted a flowering cherry tree in the grounds of Malcolm Barker in memorial to John Pretious and with that done we drew our pegs. I drew peg 15 not one cared for but that's the luck of the draw. I made up 3 tops: 2 for 10 meters; and one margin rig. I cupped out a little crumb and red maggots with some micro pellets. It took an hour before my first bite from a small roach and then half ab hour later my second bite a tench about 1 1/2lbs. Things just got interesting. I went on to catch a few more roach and rudd and 3 more tench to give me 8lbs 13oz for 2nd place. Well done to the framers 1st Tony Parker with 14lbs 2oz, 2nd Phil Whitmill 8lbs 13oz, 3rd Barry Cornel with 6lbs 4oz and 4th Peter Green with 4lbs 1oz

Inter-club (Abbey Cross)

Taylor's Lake (Abbey Cross water)

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1st Alan Sims 36lbs 6oz 2nd Nick Farral 12lbs 8oz 3rd Martin Adams 11lbs 8oz 4th Sam Robinson 10lbs 13oz 5th Fred Hunt 8lbs 10oz

Phil's day Hi all, the Weds club fished its first inter-club match against Abbey Cross club. Woke up to a really frosty morning - boy was it cold with a raw edge to the wind. Drew peg 38 that was a very good peg and was thinking the drawing arm is still working unfortunately had to donate the peg for one reason or another so got 51 instead. Not bad a peg but very narrow so only made one rig as that was all that was needed. Fished about 10 meters and cupped out some micro pellets and red mags with a small amount of groundbait. I had nothing in the first hour but kept the faith and plodded on and then, out of the blue, had a f1 about 2lb. By midday and a little more feed I got another one about the same size with 2 hours to go. I fought back the cold I was sitting in a cross wind and it was bloody cold under trees with no sun at all. With half hour to go managed another f1 carp and a 1oz roach which gave me 8th place on a 20 peg match so not so bad. Congrats to the winners,1st Alan Sims with 36lbs 6oz, 2nd Nick Farral with 12lbs 8oz, 3rd Martin Adams with 11lbs 8oz, 4th Sam Robinson with 10lbs 13oz and 5th Fred Hunt with 8lbs 10oz

Wednesday Club

Hall Farm Large Lake

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1st Tony Cruci 78lbs 9oz 2nd Fred Hunt 49lbs 8oz 3rd Sam Robinson 35lbs 11oz 4th Phil Whitmill 15lbs 12oz

Phil's day Hi all, the Weds club fished its first match since December we held it at Hall Farm big lake. The weather was very good considering what it has been like, we had 14 anglers and an empty lake so it was a good start. I drew peg 2 which can be good. I had a good depth of water in the margins so made up two lines for the pole - 1 at 10 meters and 1 for the margins either side. I got the feeder rod out just in case. Potted out 2mm pellet with some red mags and 4mm pellets in the margins. I couldn't get a bite anywhere so out came feeder and first cast a carp and within 15 mins another that I lost at the net then nothing for an hour. Back on the pole and still nothing. By this time it was 1 pm ish so had a bite to eat and drink so out went the feeder and within minutes had another bite and landed that. I stayed on the feeder and had 3 more and then at 3pm with half hour to go went down the margins and hooked another giving me 4th place with 15lbs 12oz 1st was Tony Cruci 78lbs 9oz, 2nd Fred Hunt with 49lbs 8oz, 3rd Sam Robinson with 35lbs 11oz and 4th Phil Whitmill with 15lbs 12oz. Well done to all and a special thanks to Sam helping with the weigh in - much appreciated.

Wednesday Club

Beggars Hall

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1st Ray Gibson 49lbs 11oz 2nd Steve Foster 31lbs 1oz 3rd Dave Fuller 17lbs 1oz 4th Phil Whitmill 13lbs 11oz

Phil's day Hi all, fished Beggers Hall for the Weds match. The weather looked reasonable the rain was going to hold off till late afternoon so all we needed was the fish to cooperate. Made up my mind it was going to be a feeder rod day so I put two rods together: one light to medium; and one heavy to cover my bases. Started off on my medium rod with 0.13 hook length and a 18 hook with double red maggots in the hopes of getting a bite from something but nothing, not a jot. Tried 3 types of bait and 4 different areas but nothing. The time is now 2 pm and I had almost given up hope of catching so I decided to slowly packup in readiness for me to do the weigh in. Got to 2.30 pm and I saw a small movement on my feeder - it was slow and deliberate, however, as it was the only indications I had had all day, I struck. It went solid and then slowly moved off so I played it gently till it woke up then the scrap was on. I eventually landed it to save my day again 1 fish 1 bite it weighed 13lbs 11oz which placed me 4th. 1st Ray Gibson with an outstanding 49lbs 11oz, 2nd Steve Foster with a good weight of 31lbs 1oz, 3rd Dave Fuller with 17lbs 1oz and 4th Phil Whitmill with 13lbs 11oz and to cap it all off the rain held off until we drove off brill.