The Newry Canal Match Group report on day 2 of the Fathom Festival:
This was the second of the 4 two day events planned for the Canal this year and following on from the May Day Festival this one was eagerly anticipated.
Warm sunny conditions with just an odd shower were forecast and as it turned out the weathermen got it pretty much spot on, except for the wind which at times proved gusty.
The anglers all assembled as usual at Victoria Lock and the now routine dipping of the nets took place and the draw was made.
All the competitors made their way to the pegs, 2 sections this time, one on the stands and the other on the match length.
The all in was called at 11.00am and the battle started.
From early on it was clear that the Roach had not returned yet, as there were very few being caught, most of the anglers were catching Hybrids and Perch, with the odd small Skimmer and Eel showing up.
No one was able to put a good run of fish together, so it was a case of keeping at it and putting whatever you could in the net.
At the all out the scales arrived and despite the tough fishing most were happy with their result, no one had run away with it and it was all still to play for in day 2.
Eddie Campbell took the lead going into day 2, with Matt Crowl 2nd, Chris Simpson 3rd, Jim Reilly 4th and Geoff Quinn 5th.
Conditions on Sunday were much the same as the previous day and the assembled anglers were in buoyant mood as the draw was made. Everyone was anticipating a good day on the bank and plans were formulated, now in the knowledge that there were not great numbers of Roach present.
The all in was called and off we went again. As with the previous day, most anglers were able to put bits and pieces in the net, but there were no real runs of fish, however big fish were certainly making an appearance and anyone who could catch a few of them was going to feature come the end.
As it turned out the bonus fish played a part in the overall placings and those with them featured.
Matt Crowl took the honors with his brilliant 19lb 7oz total over the 2 days, all taken on the pole, including some very nice bonus fish.
Eddie Campbell, the leader after day 1 held onto 2nd overall with a total of 17lb 1oz, all on the pole.
Performance of the match has to go to Newry Canal stalwart Eric Johnston for a brilliant day 2 result that saw him win the overall on the second day and lifted him into 3rd place with a total weight of 16lb 6oz.
Jim Reilly came out in 4th place with a total of 13lb 6oz over the weekend and Chris Simpson rounded off the top 5 with a total weight of 11lb 13oz.
A good weekend was had by all and the Canal as usual lived up to it’s reputation as one of the fairest and best match venues in the country. The next event will be the July Open on Sunday July 5th.
The Newry Canal Match Group would like to thank all those who helped in running this match, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Mc A Tackle and Boats for their support and Loughs Agency for their continued help.
Report compliments of:
