The Autumn Shield 2004.

Harleston Junior Angling Clubs annual autumn open held Saturday in the Weybread Ocean pit attracted a small but dedicated group of the areas top junior anglers. The pits slow form in the early season and dark skies threatening heavy rain did nothing to dampen the competitors spirits.

Jack Weatherley rose to the challenge to lift the trophy for the second time in three years and leave club captain Charlie Hodd finishing second for the third time in as many years. Jack Weatherley drew peg seven a noted hotspot and choose to attack his peg from the start balling in six big balls of Sensas matchblend groundbait with no feed at 11 metres then loose feeding heavily with caster over the top to keep the fish feeding on the bottom. The plan worked a treat, with red maggot on the hook Jack took his first fish within seconds of the last ball of groundbait hitting the water, he then produced an excellent pole fishing performance kept this solid catch rate up for the full four hours of the competition and leave the field well behind bringing around a hundred small roach and perch to the scales for a fine weight of 6lb 3oz a full three pounds clear of runner up Charlie Hodd. Jack won a tackle voucher the Autumn Shield and a top of the range Browning reel for his catch.

It was a case of third time unlucky for Charlie, runner up for the two previous years. Charlie put in a good performance from peg 16 in the reeds to beat of the challenge from Aiden Collett on peg 9. Charlie opted for a more conservative approach balling in three balls of groundbait and then gently loose feeding caster to keep the fish interested. Fishing with caster on the hook looking to catch a better class of fish he landed twenty roach up to a half-pound to weigh 3lb 3oz just enough to pip Aiden.

Aiden Collett finished third his best result to date, fishing a waggler and maggot approach at full depth from peg 9 he again sorted out some of the pits better Roach to keep the pressure on Charlie all match. His weight of 3lbs, was just one fish short of second place.

Fourth place was settled with a three way battle in the reeds section with Ricky Leggett weighing 1lb 12oz of roach and a bonus eel from peg 18, Gavin Woodward missed out by one ounce from peg 17 with six roach for 1lb 11oz on maggot and pole. Edward Howman finished a further two ounce behind with 1lb 9oz from peg 19 on pole fished worm.

Full result

1. Peg 7 Jack Weatherley 6lb 3oz
2. Peg 16 Charlie Hodd 3lb 3oz
3. Peg 9 Aiden Collett 3lb
4. Peg 18 Ricky Leggett 1lb 12oz
5. Peg 17 Gavin Woodward 1lb 11oz
6. Peg 19 Edward Howman 1lb 9oz

Match Facts.

Attendance : 12
Venue : Weybread Ocean Pit
Weather : Overcast and cool with a south east wind.
D.N.W : 1