Still waiting for the full result from Neil, but this is what we've got so far ................................

I'll add to it as we get more.

 

The much awaited “Mystery Pairs” Match, under the Big Bash banner was held on Saturday 18th. October 2008 at the Garbolino Lindholme Lakes complex, and took in Beeches, Bonsai, Laurels, Oasis and Willows lakes at the fishery.

115 anglers had pledged to fish the match, giving 57 pairs, to be randomly drawn by organiser Kev Allen’s wife, Mandy, after the main match draw had been made.

09.00 hours saw the usual scramble for the main draw, and a mixture of happy, hopeful and excited anglers heading from the ticket office to their pegs.

10.30 hours and the customary double blast from Lindholme owner Neil Grantham’s shotgun saw the all in, and anglers all over the complex attacked their given pegs.

As so many lakes were included, anglers had plenty of room to fish, and the pressure on each lake was reduced.

All the lakes were producing fish, and no clear leader was emerging as the match progressed.

Individually, Martin Fothergill was emptying Beeches peg 13 on maggot feeder, and looked good for an overall individual win, but had the misfortune to loose some very large carp, which would eventually cost him dearly.

Lee Barrat on Oasis peg 3 was also quickly into his stride, catching carp on worm/caster, and Johnny Howard on Willows 46 catching well on 4mm pellet.

Mark Jones was rumoured to be catching well on worm at peg 80 on Bonsai, as was Kev Leach on peg 44, and Shaun Cameron on peg 77 on the same lake.

The weather held out, and the predicted showers never materialised, leaving a light breeze and cool air for the contenders to cope with.

All too soon the second double blast from the shotgun was heard at 16.00 hours, followed by cries of “all out” and anglers started to pack up, and wonder who their unknown partner was, and how they’d done.

Back to the café, and the customary raffle got underway, led by Neil Grantham’s unique banter and jokes, and whispers went round the complex of who had been paired with who, and speculation was rife as to who had won the pairs event.

The eagerly awaited results were announced midway through the raffle, and it emerged that Lee Barrat had managed to hold off the opposition with 59lbs. 12oz for an overall individual win closely followed by Johnny Howard with 56lbs. 4oz, which had included some real lumps, Mark Jones with 51lbs. 6oz, Martin Fothergill with 48lbs. 13oz, Kev Leach with 48lbs. 11oz and Shaun Cameron with 47lbs. 1oz.

The pairs winners were revealed as (watch this space – awaiting details from Neil at Lindholme)

The day was an all round success, with a close match, fished in an excellent, fun and friendly atmosphere, raising over £2070.00 on the day for the Breast Cancer Care Charity. This brings the total now raised to in excess of £18,000.00 from the Big Bash events.

The next match under the Big Bash banner will be the main event, to be held on Wednesday 6th. May 2009 at Garbolino Lindholme Lakes and this event is to have a new sponsor in Rob Hitchens and his company Yorkshire Baits.

Remember to get your name down and your deposit paid early to ensure you are part of this eagerly awaited event.

Contact Mr Big Bash (AKA Kev Allen) on 07878706752 or via ww

.thebigbash.co.uk for more detail.