This match is held annually as a get together with the spirit of Christmas in mind. Turnout was good, albeit with a few guests again. It was Malcolm Golding's second Christmas trip for six years, last year being the first - nice to have his support. We were surprised at the total number of anglers around the lake, over 50. It was nice to see Danny Peet turn up after a three and a half hours drive from Sheffield. Last year he accidentally tried on the wrong day (boxing day) but this year he got it right!!!

The day was very mild, perhaps a bit chilly for an hour or so, with very little breeze.

Although fish were scattered all around the lake the better results were once again to be had on the northern half of the lake (to the right of the pier, near and far banks). As usual most Iver anglers headed for this better area and from the word go fish were coming out all around this northern end. In fact it was surprising how many fish were coming out this early on because, once again, unless you caught your fish early it became more difficult. Ray had tried the southern end and although he caught a fish there he decided to try the northern half. By 11.00am he had three in the bag but he had missed the early rush and then struggled for many hours to catch his last as it got harder.

Lunchtime arrived and it was time for the cooking to commence, hot dogs, burgers and coffee etc that went down well. Fortunately most Iver fishermen had finished by then so could enjoy the celebrations and chit-chat. All in all it was a good day with high spirits of the Christmas period.

Congratulations to a rarely seen Iver fisherman, Stan’s son Bob King, who won the day.