This was the first match of the year. We were hoping that the cold weather would have passed us by before this date but it was not to be. With a high pressure sitting over Norway there was a cold southerly wind from the continent. Although the temperature was not freezing (no frost) the continual wind factor made it feel so.

The sun did try to break through the clouds at about 10am but not for long.

Having drawn lots for first away most people headed straight for the northern end of the lake, either in the bay on the far north-west side or else the long bay at the very north end. Allen Dixon tried his luck from the pier by the lodge but after a few hours saw John Weaver returning to the lodge from the north bay having bagged up. After a further hour or two without a on the pier it was time for Allen to move. By fortune he slipped into where John had fished and within a few hours, having changed to a Hi-Di and all black booby, had bagged up as well.

At this stage Roy Palmer had blanked and slipped into where John and Allen had just fished. Also using a black booby he bagged up within a few hours.

It was clear that a Hi-Di and booby on the bottom was a must.

Meanwhile Dave Blanchard, who by about 1pm had five fish and was fishing nearby, was struggling to get his last. He fished for several more hours without that last fish before finally admitting defeat and settling for the 5 fish. Ray Simpson, who was also nearby, fished steadily and by 4pm had 5 fish. However, he also had difficulty for his last. It seems that the fish were not quite so abundant where he was. Perhaps it was shallower as the fish were definitely near the bottom in the deeper water, no rises. Ray eventually settled for 5 fish as well, the cold being the factor rather than the fishing.

Our hearts must go out to Ron Lusardi. Try as he did fishing beside Dave he had extreme difficulty making contact. When he eventually did he lost it. He was last seen wandering off just after lunch, head drooped, hoping for better days.

Eddie Gray had bagged up elsewhere by mid afternoon but our casual member Ray Janes struggled. Better luck next time.

Most people were glad when it ended because by late afternoon the cold was really setting in.

One consolation on leaving, for those that saw it, a barn owl was hovering around the wasteland looking for its dinner, - a rare sight, especially during the day.

Highlight :- Roy netted a fish, placed the net & fish on the bank and said "look, the hook has come out". He then went to get his priest. The fish jumped and rolled down the bank into the water. On a shout from me he jumped into the water, fell backwards, but luckily managed to scoop the escaping fish onto the bank!!!! Most of this is on film, by chance, except for when he fell into the water – sod’s law.