No sooner than we completed our last series the new season Club matches are almost with us.

I thought I would write a light-hearted review of some of the characters who are likely to fish our matches.  We already have one name down for entry, Mike from Poland a Club member living in Royston who seems a bit keen!

 Anyhow here goes:-

Kevin Standring (aka Justin time)

Kevin will be fishing his second series with us, best newcomer last team.  He is likely to push on towards the Clubman Award this year Kevin was awarded.

 Always arrives just in time for the draw.

Ian Claydon

The big man!  Ian has fished our matches for quite a few years now.  Use to fish “walk off” matches with his original London Club.  Ian is confident on all methods and is rarely out of the frame.  Still blames me for falling in on the Lode – (it weren’t me mate!).

Brian and Neil Dominguez

The first of three father and sons who fish our matches.  Always willing to help out, drives us to our pegs on the Cam in the cattle truck.  These two are always having side bets and never seem to be fazed by anything.

Dave and Dudley Seal

Two more “big lads” – Dudley I reckon is going to be bigger than his Dad!  Don’t argue with these two club Champs or indeed their mate Denver Margetson or is it Densil, sorry Denver!

Ian and Liam Darler

The grumpy old man and pin-up boy!  Ian’s new nickname is “Wurling Dervisher Darler” after his performance in our last match on the Lode.  Awaiting their Level 2 Coaching Certificates, these two are ones to watch this season.  That’s if Liam can get out of bed and if Ian can stay in bed!  As he always seems to be up early and Liam is late.  Hmmm.

Trevor Sturge

“Choppy” He loves the stuff and fishes it all the time.  If his float dips its a big un.  Always there helping out and allowing me to scrounge bait off him!  I reckon Trevor is going to have a big season this year.  His baits supplier could go out of business if not!

Craig Rayner

Pin-up boy II.  Yes Craig and Liam are team colleagues as well as having the award for good looks.  They both also have complete designer gear, which is always immaculately turned out.

Paul Jackson

Another one to be awarded “Best turned out” in the parade ring.  Paul has come high in our Junior ranks – he’s now nearing 30 and one to watch this year.

Alan Brown

A quiet angler, Alan will be fishing with us for the third year and is always there or thereabouts.  Alan’s background is from lake fishing for big fish yet he is capable of turning his hand to small fish.  A thinking angler who blends in to the environment with his designer camouflage gear.

Mick Curtis

“Buppy”, “Metal Mickey”.  Mick has been around as long as me but is worth a few more quid!  Comes in to his own with the old breadstuff but also known to have a go with the Hemp that’s if he can stop counting his millions.

Ken Whitmore

A long respected angler who has won more matches than I can remember yet I think he would agree does not always have the best of luck.  He could qualify for grumpy old man III but his dry sense of humour just edges this accolade.

Tom Legge

Tom’s commitments mean he cannot fish all our matches but is always cheerful and willing to impart his considerable angling knowledge.

A fine all round angler Tom secretly misses the banter from the match scene so I expect him to be having a bit of a go in the next few years, so long as he remembers to wear a cap in the predicted heat wave.

Me!

Grumpy old Man II, “Tweedy Big Nose” erm yes and also Champ!

On a serious note, after a 15-year lay off from match fishing I never thought I would return but after three seasons “Back in” I have all the old enthusiasm back.  It is all down to Mick Curtis and Ian Darler who encouraged me to fish our matches again.  Not to mention all the other lads who I can honestly say are the best bunch of people I have ever had the pleasure to fish with.  So let battle begin!  Don’t fancy being drawn next to Poland Mike cause he is going to ball it in big time on the Cam – can you imagine him and Ian next to each other!

So there you are, if I have missed someone apologies, it is probably because I am scared of retribution.  Watch out for Ian’s story about his times with Percy – hilarious, frightening, respectful with a little sadness.  They add much to the stories of my dawn raiding friend.