Christmas come and gone, but good fish were hardly in a festive mood for most of this period. The weather stayed generally on the raw side and when it did turn milder, it rained once more.

It was all change again last week for the round of matches on the River Witham. Here, weights in the mid-week match were bettered by the Kings Arms Saturday sweep. I say all-change because only small roach were interested in anglers’ offerings and although highly competitive with very close top weights, none could achieve double figures. A single ounce separated the first two as Graham Cripsey emerged the victor over Dave Edwards and Kevin Rice finishing in the same street for third. Results: 1 Graham Cripsey, Skegness, 9lbs 13ozs; 2 Dave Edwards, Sheffield, 9lbs 12ozs; 3 Kevin Rice 9lbs 6ozs; 4 Terry Kaye, Lincoln, 8lbs 2ozs.

Dave Edwards had to suffer the agonies of being the loser for the second time in the week. He had to give best to Spalding angler Rob Johnson who literally out-distanced everyone else by employing long pole and maggot for over 12lbs of those small roach. Long pole at 18, yes that’s 18, metres put him beyond the reach of those around him and had the middle of the river to himself to take his winning net. Mark One’s Simon Godfrey made an appearance to clinch third with Maurice Thacker and Alistair Ogilvie also in double figures and tying for fourth. Results: 1 Rob Johnson, Bourne MG, 12lbs 10ozs; 2 Dave Edwards, Sheffield, 12lbs 3ozs; 3 Simon Godfrey, Mark One, 11lbs 1oz; equal 4 Maurice Thacker and Alistair Ogilvie 10lbs 10ozs.

Despite these setbacks Dave Edwards clung on to the lead he had established during the series and won the individual title from Alan Houlton by a single point, Bill White and Ron Chambers tying for third. Results:

1 Dave Edwards 13pts; 2 Alan Houlton 14pts; equal 3 Bill White and Ron Chambers 17pts.

Christmas Sunday saw Fishtoft AC travel to Wainfleet to try the River Steeping but found the venue in continuing poor form. Very small fish provided all the action, obviously resulting in a very close run match. Just 2½ozs separated first from fourth and on this occasion Gordon Manning finished top of the pile with less than 2lbs. The tiny roach fell to a variety of baits presented on the pole, breadpunch and pinkie being the most successful for those leading anglers. Results: 1 Gordon Manning 1lb 9ozs; 2 Mark Cook 1lb 7½ozs; Rod Asher 1lb 7ozs; 4 Jerry Clifton 1lb 6½ozs.

There was little change over the following days, and even into the pre-New Year weekend that again saw only the odd better fish show any interest in proceedings. Such was the case for the last of the year’s Kings Arms sweeps on the River Witham at Tattershall Bridge where more than half of the 22 man field brought double figure nets to scales. Amazing these consisted almost entirely of 1oz roach, which considering the weights, are now in residence in vast numbers, as the four or five dozen cormorants can testify to. Only 1½ lbs separated first from fourth but Dave Edwards exacted full revenge as he won the day with over 17lbs to mainly pole and maggot, large and small. Boston lads took second and third using similar tactics as Alistair Ogilvie just got the better of Gavin Butler by 4ozs. Results: 1 Dave Edwards, Sheffield, 17lbs 5ozs; 2 Alistair Ogilvie, Boston, 16lbs 6ozs; 3 Gavin Butler, Boston, 16lbs 2ozs; 4 Alan Houlton, Lincoln, 15lbs 14ozs; 5 Sean Higginbottom, Boston, 14lbs 12ozs.

A slightly disappointing attendance for the rearranged Christmas Benevolent match as just 31 anglers tackled the Frith Bank Drain last Sunday. An even closer battle to decide the top two, albeit from some 20 pegs apart, but finally resolved as Steve Winter took the match ahead of Richard Kinning by a mere 2ozs. He chose mixed tactics and took roach to 4ozs to breadpunch and then switched to chopped worm for those bigger perch that topped off his weight with a fine specimen of around 1½ lbs. Two pegs away and Kevin Harrison was also in the hunt but had to settle in the end for third place, a good pound and more in front of Alec Rawlings. Most anglers opted for pole and breadpunch tactics to catch small roach to average over 5lbs per man but many pegged in the late 50s and 60s struggled for a bite and recorded dry nets, sad to say. Results: 1 Steve Winter, Boston, 12lbs 8ozs; 2 Richard Kinning, Burgh, 12lbs 6ozs; 3 Kevin Harrison, Alford, 10lbs 4ozs; 4 Alec Rawlings, Wainfleet, 8lbs 14½ ozs; 5 Ben Brighton, Fishtoft AC, 8lbs 4ozs.

Just thirteen anglers managed to get out and enjoy the fishing on a mild and unusually calm Westwood Lakes on Sunday. Using Hawk Lake, Liam’s Elite anglers found the resident roach and small carp willing to feed and although Boston junior Joe Paton recorded a level 30lbs he came off second best to team-mate Daniel Austin at the adjacent peg. He was really the meat in the sandwich as Daniel’s father Dick Austin, on the other side, took third spot with match organiser Dave Wilson coming home fourth under the 20lbs mark. Results: 1 Daniel Austin 31lbs 11ozs; 2 Joe Paton 30lbs; 3 Dick Austin 22lbs 3ozs; 4 Dave Wilson 19lbs 3ozs.

A final reminder to Boston and District AA anglers that their 2008 annual general meeting will take place on Tuesday February 5 and that any nominations for the committee, and notices of motion, should be forwarded in writing to the secretary Barbara Clifton by Tuesday January 8.

Review for December 16

Harding completes a victory treble

The past week saw temperatures decline even further, culminating in a very cloudy and raw weekend — with a real touch of winter.

The River Witham stays in reasonable form despite recent ups and downs. And this time around it was roach that made the major impact on match weights. Whatever turns up, it seems to matter little to Brian Harding who left everyone trailing in his wake once again and actually did the same on both the Saturday and mid-week sweeps to record a hat trick of wins. The exact same method of pole and maggot applied on both days and brought a clear-cut victory on both occasions. In the first instance Malc Green was the runner-up, but in opting for the waggler approach he finished over 4lbs down on the winner, Maurice Thacker another 2lbs and more further back. Results: 1 Brian Harding, Bourne MG, 11lbs 13ozs; 2 Malc Green, Lincoln, 7lbs 5ozs; 3 Maurice Thacker, Lincoln, 5lbs 0½ oz; 4 Ron Chambers, Woodhall Spa, 4lbs 8ozs.

Previous winner Dave Ashmore received a similar drubbing on Saturday as Brian went on his merry way with a slightly narrower margin of victory. On this occasion Dave Edwards came into the picture taking third spot, just a fraction ahead of Maurice Thacker who had to be content with fourth this time around. Results: 1 Brian Harding, Bourne MG, 8lbs 11ozs; 2 Dave Ashmore, Grimsby, 5lbs 3½ozs; 3 Dave Edwards, Sheffield, 4lbs 6ozs; 4 Maurice Thacker, Lincoln, 4lbs 5ozs.

The Whisby Foss Dyke League reached the half-way stage when this fifth round match took place on the roadside stretch at Saxilby with 28 anglers in attendance. Despite the frosty conditions this water was virtually free of ice and as bloodworm and joker are allowed the canal fished reasonably well. Dave Small made full use of the end peg and following his win in last week’s Lincoln Fur and Feather he recorded yet another victory. Fishing the pole and bloodworm at three and eleven metres, Dave took small roach and perch for his winning net as Alan Henry brought a similar catch to scales for a second place finish – Steve Gilbert followed close behind in third. Results: 1 Dave Small, Lincoln Whisby AS, 6lbs 1oz; 2 Alan Henry, Cralusso Whisby, 5lbs 7ozs; 3 Steve Gilbert, Whisby AS, 5lbs 3ozs; 4 John Small, Lincoln Whisby AS, 4lb 14oz; 5 Alan Houlton, Garbolino Lincs County, 3lbs 8ozs; 6 Sean Stockley, Garbolino Lincs County, 3lbs 7½ozs. At the halfway stage Alan Henry (Cralusso Whisby) and Eddie Cheetham (Lincoln Whisby) are joint leaders of the league with 30 points, Alan Houlton (Garbolino Lincs County) in third on 29 points.

Successive hard frosts and those near freezing daytime conditions brought about the first cancellation of the annual Christmas match in living memory. Saturday dawned with a good covering of ice on most waters and especially the Frith Bank Drain that featured a thick sheet from bank-to-bank and easily supported a swan, which was seen wandering along the middle of the drain! This has now been re-scheduled for Sunday December 30 and will again take place on the Frith Bank Drain, given reasonable weather.

The Fenland Pike Club returned to local drains this week and found open stretches of water on the Bellwater Drain at Midville. Fish were in a feeding mood as 15 specimens of various sizes came to a variety of baits. Best fish of over 11lbs fell to third placed Spider Pawson but two lesser models of 7 and 9lbs approx. sealed a close run victory for Andrew Walker. He won by a mere 4ozs as Marc Bradbury just failed to overhaul him with four smaller fish. Results: 1 Andrew Walker 15lbs 14ozs; 2 Marc Bradbury junior 15lbs 10ozs; 3 Spider Pawson 11lbs 10ozs.

Incidentally, while vacating the area, a near brand new pike net was left on the bank and is now in the safe custody of Spider Pawson. The owner can retrieve said net by contacting him after 5pm on (01205) 870002.

Boston members are reminded that the 2008 AGM will take place on Tuesday February 5 and proposals for the committee, and notices of motion, should be forwarded in writing to the secretary Barbara Clifton by January 8.

Review for December 9

Walker wins the day at Whittlesea pike match

Not a weekend to particularly remember, as steady rain persisted through most of Saturday. And although light and patchy, it continued on and off throughout Sunday with temperatures remaining in single figures.

Last weekend’s Fenland Pike Club match at Whittlesea on the Twenty Foot Drain produced quite a number of fish. Unfortunately these were all on the small side and four such specimens were enough for Andrew Walker to win the day. Three slightly better models brought second spot to Andrew Leverton and three very small fish did not total five pounds, but achieved third place for Spider Pawson. Results: 1 Andrew Walker 11lbs 10ozs; 2 Andrew Leverton 11lbs 4ozs; 3 Spider Pawson 4lbs 10ozs.

Matches on the River Witham contrasted sharply between the midweek contest and Saturday’s Kings Arms sweep as the recent wet weather finally took its toll on the latter. Big skimmers provided a close battle for the top spot that could have been won by any of those leading four or five competitors. All anglers opted for the swimfeeder approach but the honours finally went to Brian Harding who won the day with 13ozs to spare. He denied first place to Dave Ashmore who had to settle for second best for the second week on the trot. John Duffield came home third a little further adrift having just edged out Maurice Thacker into fourth this time. Results: 1 Brian Harding, Bourne MG, 11lbs 9ozs; 2 Dave Ashmore, Grimsby, 10lbs 12ozs; 3 John Duffield, Lincoln, 9lbs 8ozs; 4 Maurice Thacker, Lincoln, 9lbs 5ozs.

Saturday saw the river running at a vast rate of knots and in the pouring rain John Duffield gain his revenge, but with a vastly reduced winning net which included only the odd better skimmer plus one or two decent roach. Chris Elsom made an appearance this week and took second ahead of Lee Wright, after whom Mick Stephens was the only other angler to beat the pound mark as many failed to trouble the scales. Results: 1 John Duffield 3lbs 6ozs; 2 Chris Elsom Lincs County 2lbs 13ozs; 3 Lee Wright Grimsby 2lbs 5ozs; 4 Mick Stephens Boston 1lb 10½ozs.

The Lincoln Fur and Feather match was fished in the Dixon Street area of the upper River Witham with 27 anglers taking part. Prior to Saturday the venue had been in good order, offering some great sport with roach on bread punch. But Thursday evening’s heavy rain resulted in the venue carrying highly coloured extra water, which put paid to any hopes of a good match. The match also coincided with the gale force winds and torrential rain that saw umbrellas being ripped apart and a number of pole sections broken. The adverse conditions did not faze Dave Small, drawn on the upside of the bridge as he offered bread punch on the pole and went on to take one good skimmer plus around five dozen roach and small skimmers for his winning weight. Nothing new for Dave who proved his liking for this match, winning this corresponding fixture last year on the Foss Dyke Canal. Second fell to Jamie Osgodby who took a similar net from the Coulson Road area, well downstream of the bridge, and even without a bite for the first two hours Paul Clark grabbed third with around 40 roach for a level 4lbs.Big bream were the quarry for Rob Thorley who landed one such specimen of nearly 4lbs but the loss of a similar model cost him dearly and had to be then content with fourth place – likewise for Steve Gilbert with a single tench for fifth. Results: 1 Dave Small, Lincoln Whisby AS, 8lbs 8ozs; 2 Jamie Osgodby, Lincs County, 5lbs 2ozs; 3 Paul Clark, Lincoln Whisby AS, 4lbs; 4 Rob Thorley, Lincoln Whisby AS, 3lbs 14ozs; 5 Steve Gilbert, Whisby AS, 3lbs 6ozs.

Better weather conditions prevailed for United Anglers on Sunday at Kirkstead but the swollen river precluded most methods. Naturally, with a fast run off and abundance of floating vegetation, tactics were confined to a variety of baits presented on whips ranging in length from 3m to 5m. Many gave up the ghost after two hours but those that stayed the course eventually tempted the odd skimmer and decent roach. Shaun Bell took three such fish to 6ozs at close range and adding a skimmer of twice that weight to score a comfortable victory. Mike Deakins managed three much smaller roach for second and the only scorers after that landed just one fish each. Results: 1 Shaun Bell 1lb 12ozs; 2 Mike Deakins 6ozs; 3 Steve Howard 2½ozs; 4 Steve Storey 1½ozs.

The odd bream or two turned up for the Fishtoft AC match at Northlands but quickly did a disappearing act as the flow got underway. Ben Brighton and Mark Cook were the main beneficiaries – Ben taking the larger model of the two at 3lbs 6ozs to condemn Mark to second spot. Most members landed a few bits but Rod Asher added a perch to clinch third place ahead of Gary Shinn. Results: 1 Ben Brighton 4lbs 7ozs; 2 Mark Cook 3lbs 6ozs; 3 Rod Asher 2lbs 8ozs; 4 Gary Shinn 1lb 10ozs.

The club will hold a sweep in conjunction with the Christmas Benevolent match for which members should make their own bookings if wishing to take part. A final reminder to local anglers that the Boston Christmas Benevolent match will take place this coming Sunday December 16 on the Frith Bank Drain, tickets £3.50 plus optional pools on the morning. Many match and raffle prizes will be on offer and any other donations to this worthy cause will be much appreciated. Please ring Barry Mallett to book a place in the match and take any prizes to Boston Angling Centre or contact secretary Barbara Clifton for collection.

Review for December 2

Slender margin of success for Edwards

Strong winds, accompanied by driving rain, were the overriding features of last week’s weather which on the whole stayed on the mild side as we moved into December. Conditions are at last changing on the River Witham and large bream have suddenly made a major impact on the outcome of matches. Starting in midweek, the Wednesday match at Tattershall Bridge produced it usual crop of perch and skimmers but a couple of larger models added up to a narrow win for Dave Edwards. Skimmers were also included in Bob Walker’s catch but four similar sized bream helped him to second place ahead of compatriot Kevin Rice who made it a clean sweep of the top three places for Sheffield anglers. A mixed bag of fish saw fourth and fifth spots go to Maurice Thacker and Ron Chambers respectively. Results: 1 Dave Edwards, Sheffield, 17lbs 5ozs; 2 Bob Walker, Sheffield, 16lbs 4ozs; 3 Kevin Rice, Sheffield, 13lbs 4ozs; 4 Maurice Thacker, Lincoln, 11lbs 11ozs; 5 Ron Chambers, Kirkstead, 11lbs 8ozs.

Eighteen anglers took in this latest Kings Arms Saturday match under good conditions on the roadside stretch of the R.Witham at Tattershall Bridge, where big bream were again the deciding factor. The majority used groundbait feeder and worm but the larger fish were concentrated mainly between two anglers. Fish to 7lbs 0½ oz ( yes that’s seven pounds) were taken by both Maurice Thacker and Dave Ashmore at adjacent pegs but a final burst from Maurice in the last hour saw him take the honours. Bob Walker had to settle for third place on this occasion, even though he brought an increased weight to scales over the previous Wednesday outing. Results: 1 Maurice Thacker, Lincoln, 37lbs 2ozs; 2 Dave Ashmore, Grimsby, 34lbs 12ozs; 3 Bob Walker, Sheffield, 18lbs 12ozs; 4 Mark Critchley, Lincoln, 15lbs 15ozs; 5 Dave Edwards, Sheffield, 13lbs 2ozs; 6 Les Wallis, Short Ferry, 12lbs.

Those wet and windy conditions peaked on Sunday and as one competitor in the Boston Winter league on the Frith Bank Drain put it, when asked how he coped: “I struggled a bit with 18-inch waves in 18 inches of water!” Having said that, most anglers brought at least a couple of pounds of fish to scales, apart from the odd few pegs that produced mere ounces. Roach were the mainstay of most catches but those in the top positions chose the usual pole and worm tactics for those larger perch. Exactly that for Ben Brighton who clinched victory with the sole double figure catch of the day, and doing likewise, Don Green took a comfortable second spot a pound or so down from three pegs along the drain. Competition was also fierce at the far end of the match and Paul Salt got the better of Kevin Harrison and took third place all but a pound ahead from two pegs away. Similarly John Briggs took fifth from next to Tattershall Road Bridge, Andy Scott also in the six pounds range in sixth. The race for the league titles was in effect already decided and in Division One the East Midland MG merely confirmed their status with another emphatic win and won the title with 24 points to spare over their nearest rivals, who turned out to be last year’s promotees Holbeach AC.

Similarly in Division Two Lincoln Whisby had it all to do and also hope for a Wainfleet slip-up but no such luck as another victory over those self same rivals saw them home and increase their margin to a final 11 points. In passing I must pay tribute to the Horncastle outfit who took a superb third place at their first attempt and may well be a force to be reckoned with in the near future. The individual titles were both much to close to call and in Division 1, despite needing a couple of stand-ins for these last two rounds, Andy Dixon clung to the lead and won the race by 3 points from team mate Mark Nesbitt with Kevin Harrison in third. A three way tie in Division 2 meant it was definitely up for grabs and at the last Dave Bontoft fell by the wayside to give Jim Whitmore the honours by a single point from Lincoln’s John Turner.

Individuals: 1 Ben Brighton, Fishtoft AC, 10lbs 5ozs; 2 Don Green, DSC, 8lbs 15ozs; 3 Paul Salt, EMMG A, 8lbs 7ozs; 4 Kevin Harrison, BCUK, 7lbs 7 ½ozs; 5 John Briggs, BAC A, 6lbs 13ozs; 6 Andy Scott, Browning Boston, 6lbs 8ozs.

Final Positions: Division One, 1 Andy Dixon, East Midlands MG A, 41pts; 2 Mark Nesbitt, East Midlands MG A, 38pts; 3 Kevin Harrison, BCUK, 33pts; 4 Ian Thrower, Holbeach AC, 31pts; 5 Trevor Ogilvie, K9, 30pts; 6 Darren Crofts, Holbeach AC, 29pts. Division Two, 1 Jim Whitmore, Wainfleet AC, 2 John Turner, Lincoln Whisby AS 39pts; 3= Alan Henry Lincoln Whisby AS & Dave Bontoft Wainfleet AC 36lbs; 5 Justin Keene East Midlands MG B, 35pts; 6 John Briggs, BAC A, 34pts.

Teams on the day: Division One, East Midlands MG A 31pts; 2 DSC 23pts; 3 Holbeach AC 22pts; equal 4 K9 and BCUK 21pts; Division Two, 1 Wainfleet AC 30pts; 2 Lincoln Whisby AS 27pts; 3 BAC A 26pts; 4 East Midlands MG B 24pts; 5 Horncastle 23pts.

Overall: Division One, East Midland MG A 125pts; 2 Holbeach AC 101pts; 3 BCUK 97pts; 4 Grimsby 96pts; 5= K9 & Browning Boston 85pts; Division Two, 1 Wainfleet AC 140pts; 2 Lincoln Whisby AS 129pts; 3 Horncastle 106pts; 4 Boston Angling Centre A 102pts; 5 East Midlands MG B 96pts.

Those same conditions forced an early end to the latest Liam’s Elite match on Hawk Lake, part of the Westwood Lakes complex. Seventeen anglers turning out for this month’s outing but waves a foot high brought the match to a halt before any serious pole damage could occur. Top rod was Andy Dillamore peg 20 who managed to keep most of the wind to his back and fished long pole and sweetcorn to the far bank for a winning weight of 28lbs 8ozs. Second place went to match organiser Dave Wilson who landed 18lbs 2ozs from peg six and just beat off Gary Shinn at peg 10 with 17lbs 12ozs. Reece Dillamore trailed home fourth well behind his dad with 13lbs 6ozs – fifth place going to Chris Chapman on 10lbs 2ozs.

Fishtoft AC chose the Northlands section of the Sibsey Trader Drain where this situation afforded much more shelter from those gales than many other venues and were not disappointed this Sunday. Most members caught a few roach to squatt and pinkie but Gordon Manning added bonus perch to chopped worm for a clear cut victory. Rod Asher maintained his recent form but had to settle for the runner-up spot this time around with Jerry Clifton returning to claim third. Results: 1 Gordon Manning 5lbs 10ozs; 2 Rod Asher 3lbs 7ozs; 3 Jerry Clifton 2lbs 11ozs. Next Sunday (December 9) meet McDonald’s 7.30am.

A final reminder that the Lincoln Fur and Feather open match will be fished on Saturday December 8 on the Upper Witham in Lincoln. The draw will take place at the Bracebridge Café, Newark Rd, Lincoln from 8-15am, tickets are £15 all in from Frank Butler 01522 534174.

A reminder also that the Boston Christmas benevolent match will take place the following Sunday (December 16). Many raffle prizes will be on offer before and after the event, which also carries many seasonal match prizes. Donations, which may include any raffle prizes for this worthy cause, will be much appreciated and can be brought on the morning or taken to the Boston Angling Centre for collection. Thank you very much in anticipation. For match bookings please ring Barry Mallett on (01205) 871815 as soon as possible.