Last weekend of the year meant today was the last time to see the year out with a match win, so it was a 5 minute drive to Mathern Mill to fish the bottom lake. Had a little practice there yesturday fishing for skimmers on peg 7 but they weren't realy having it but the carp did participate late in the afternoon. At the draw Neil Morgan drew 7, so I thought that was the end of it as he takes some beating from most pegs. I drew 12 at the top. End of the lake, which can be very good on its day. Alan Davis drew 10 in the corner which made me think the rest of us would be fighting for third spot. After feeding a skimmer line at 11m and the margins I started on the pellet feeder tight over as there were a few carp crashing about. At 35m it was a bit far for the pole lol. Stayed on that for the first half of the match taking 4 decent carp. I did try the margins a few times with no luck. Second half I started feeding maggot at 4m and tried for a while there but only got blippy perch and Rudd. Alan on 10 had rushed well ahead of me in the fish count but his were quite small for this lake. I spotted a tail in the left margin so quickly dropped a piece of corn in and the fish obliged by bolting off and led me a merry dance for a bit but I got it in and I recon that almost doubled my wieght at about 16lb. I started back on the maggot line but was pestered by bits so a change to corn and I stayed on that for the last hour or so putting 7 more fish in the net including another horse sized lump. Wasn't sure what I had so I thought I'd stay quiet and followed the scales round. Neil Morgan put 7 carp on the scales for 74lb plus some bits for 82lb. Alan wieghed um, err, um 60 odd pound with a good net of smaller fish. I managed 12 carp and about 2lb of bits for 89lb 8oz for a win,with the two biggest fish going near 30lb. A nice way to end the year. Needed the pick up as I'm skint until Friday lol......Amendment....... Craig Challingsworth was third with 67lb.....note to self.....read the wiegh sheet
