Dick Caplice reports on the Autumn Festival being  fished at Lough Muckno…

There were no decisive movements on day three of the Autumn Festival as the main contenders still jockey for top positions. Lee Klimczuk eases off as Simon Wilsmore takes the lead with 31 kg just grammes ahead of danger man Mark Pollard.

Big movers today also were Piotr Horbinski, Dan Varney and as predicted Steve Harwood along with the ever steady Rob Johnson who has now also moved into the hot spots with just two days to go.

Autumn Festival positions after Day 3
Autumn Festival positions after Day 3

As no section far exceeds any other in terms of bumper weights, consequently a final day shock is not on the cards or at any rate is most unlikely. So tomorrow it will be the same again, with podium positions won or lost on good choices, exploiting marginal draws, avoiding disasters, managing pike, coping with the wind, and single minded grim determination.

End of Day 1, Autumn Festival
End of Day 1, Autumn Festival

Not much to ask but with a sizeable pot on offer such are the challenges that top contenders such as these take in their stride.
Added to the pools optional 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th daily and overall, every mini section every day pays out €50 or €40 depending on numbers participating.

Ready for the weigh in on Day 2
Ready for the weigh in on Day 2

When all entries in their entirety and sponsorship is added the valuable podium payouts look like this:
Autumn Festival;
1st €2,000
2nd €1,200
3rd €1,000
4th €750
5th €500
6th €350
7th €250
8th €150.

With weather expected to moderate through Thursday, a window may present itself for some brave challenges or maybe it is still not time for any moves that might cause that much feared blow out that can badly dent the bank balance at Festival’s end.

This evening at the Old Coach Inn following a superb complimentary steak meal, the midweek sections and pools were paid out in convivial and pleasant surroundings with a total gathering of 60 people.

Report Courtesy of Dick Caplice at https://www.facebook.com/Lough-Muckno-393107817429399/