EVESHAM FESTIVAL REPORT
BY TOM SCHOLEY
River legend Dave Harrell proved just why he is known as king of the Avon, by adding a second Shakespeare Championship title to his already impressive portfolio.
After drawing peg 27 on the Evesham Town water, Dave chose to buck the trend set by most of the field, and opted not to ball in with groundbait and joker. “I have long been convinced that the commotion of anglers balling in groundbait can make bigger fish like barbel back away. For this reason, I decided to let the anglers around me do this, while I simply cast out a small open ended feeder stuffed with dampened pellets, with an 11mm halibut pellet on the hook.
On my second cast of the day, around 15 minutes in, my rod arched over and a 13lb 5oz beast was the hooked. I don’t mind admitting that I was more than a bit nervous as I slipped the net under it – as many were predicting that the match would be a low weight affair.”
With this monster in the bag, the rest of Dave’s match revolved largely around sitting on the same method in the hope of another pull, though he did add a few small dace to his net, to take his total to 14-0-0. “I am delighted to have added a second Shakespeare trophy to my cabinet- I have now won this event twice, the Wychavon Championship twice, and the team match once, a feat I am extremely proud of. I am going to use the £6k winners purse to treat my partner Becky to a much deserved holiday.”
Romping home in second place was England ace Will Raison, who made the most of fancied peg 35 on the mouth of the River Isbourne. Will caught roach on bloodworm and joker early in in the match, before adding five good chub to his net on waggler and maggot tactics.
Local rod Gary Smith grabbed third spot, catching a bream on bloodworm early on in the session, a host of small roach to go with it, and a bonus chub on waggler. For full results, check out the October Issue of Match Fishing Magazine!
Result:
1 Dave Harrell (DH Angling/ Bait Tech) 14-0-0 (peg 27)
2 Will Raison (Daiwa/ Sensas) 10-10-0 (peg 35)
3 Gary Smith (Worcester Sports) 8-4-0 (peg 6)
4 Alan Scotthorne (Drennan/ Sensas) 6-11-0 (peg8)
5 Leigh Gardner (Shakespeare Superteam) 6-9-8 (peg 36)
