Match winner Mark tops strong field with fine display of pole fishing, recording 23lb 6oz

The big March Open at the weekend saw a massive turnout for the last practice match before the Winter League final on the venue this coming weekend.

Inevitably weights were lower than they have been in recent weeks due entirely to the heavy pressure put on the water as team after team have been on it for several weeks now.

Thankfully the leading weights look very good yet again, match winner Mark Pollard topping the strong field with a fine display of pole fishing, recording 23lb 6oz.

Mark fished the pole with pinkie over groundbait from his peg at Pig Market Corner, catching skimmers and a few roach all day long.

In second place was Sean Ashby. He drew down at Wigstones Bridge and fished with the pole and whip for 21lb 13oz, followed by Howard Kaye on 21lb 6oz.

So now all eyes will be on the Old Nene at March and Benwick and the Twenty Foot Drain.

These make up half of the final with the other half on Decoy Lakes.

The lakes will look after themselves I am sure, the hot pegs will produce as usual and providing the weather stays mild we can expect to see some huge weights.

Although, it has to be said, it’s quite possible one or two of the fancied teams could well slip up if they do not get a favourable draw.

On the drains it should be those who know the water well and how to get the best out of the not-so-good areas who will score well, which should see the better teams coming through.

It all makes for a great looking final, with so many good sides taking part it would be impossible to pick a winner.