There’s been a late flurry of winter fish amongst matches and outside for members. Two anglers have submitted Specimen claims for fine spurdogs landed since our last report.

January 28, mid-week match: January 28 saw a mighty 10 competitors book in at the multi for the next in the mid-week series. To go with the regulars, there was a rare foray by the Dock’s own Anthill Mob (Craig, Barry and Neil) out in search of an evening’s entertainment. After booking in, a lively debate took place as to venues and it was no surprise that Saundersfoot was favourite after recent rumours of spurdogs and the remainder opting for a codling search off the bandstand in Tenby. And it was wet again although conditions were nowhere near as unpleasant as we initially feared. Saundersfoot Harbour was surprisingly civilised when the contingent arrived with Garf and Lewis opting for ‘gentleman angler’ status fishing out of the car on the inside with the hardcore of Nev, Ben, Pugs, Barry and Adam ‘going for it’ on the big boys outside wall. We joined honorary member and local angler Andrew ‘Jules’ Jones for a cud chew as he was already camped in the horseshoe. Bites from the off in Saundersfoot, with a steady stream of the staples of dogs and dabs. As high tide approached, it all ‘kicked off’...spurs! Jules and Ben both landed nice fish in quick succession, with Ben’s a cracking 4.860kg looking all over the match winner. Then grumpy guts Nev got excited, (it does take a little longer these days) and at the end of a short scrap, Ben did for Nev what Barry had done for him and landed a nice spur. Nev’s went 3.650kg and very welcome it was too. Jules Jones nailed another and more dogs and bits were added to the bags along the way. The weigh was an interesting affair with dogs, spurs, five bearded rockling, dabs (some quality too), whiting and flounder all carded.

Results were: 1. Ben McDonnell, spur, 4.860kg; 2. Nev Andrews, bag, 5.487kg; 3. Pugs Pro, LSD, 0.928kg.

January 31, Roach Memorial Trophy: Well, that was a nice little match! A bit of a pain of a gusty westerly, but 15 competitors booked in to try and be victorious in the Roach Memorial Trophy, with three juniors amongst the crew. Little rain made the gusty conditions rather more bearable and the competitors were spread from Coppet in the east across behind the harbour to Perris Point in the west. Good colour in the water and a clean surf presented good portents. Early reports came in of Lewis catching an in size fish and then a couple of flats dribbled in, together with an unexpected huss for chairman Barry. As darkness fell, the five beardeds started, the odd dab was dabbled and the dogs went doggin! At 7 pm, the troops bobbed back to the Old Chemist for the weigh-in with Ollie’s kind agreement and scrummy roast pork rolls were kindly provided to supplement the slurps of choice.

It was tense! Young Jenks was briefly in pole position, looking as if he might snaffle his first trophy with the club as Ben and Lewis did the ‘honours’ on the scales.

But and eventually, it was confirmed that Barry’s nice little huss had triumphed. Garf had scooped the bag with Jenks denied at the death, having to settle for third, but his time is coming of that there is no doubt!

Final results were: 1. Barry Taylor, huss,1.007kg wins the Roach Memorial Trophy; 2. Garf Thomas, bag, 2.263kg; 3. Paul Jenks, LSD, 0.991kg.

Tom Twose took the junior prize with his LSD with both our other juniors, Jamie and Seth also weighing-in.

A grand afternoon/evening indeed and thanks to Rita and Ollie at the Old Chemist for their hospitality, it was much appreciated.

In the week after the Roach Memorial, Nev and Barry slipped off to a local rock mark and Barry hauled out another nice spur of 4.650kg which should also net him a federation specimen certificate to go with the expected award for Ben McDonnell’s. Well done gentlemen!

For any readers who may be concerned, please be assured that all the fish in these photographs were weighed quickly and returned at the spot they were landed. All swam off strongly!

Further information at any time from Nev on 07500 417737 or through the usual internet based sources.