The final round of the Preston Innovations backed UK Angling Championship saw the field head to the awesome Barston in Solihull for the finale in what has been a gripping series to date.
Having taken a perfect score with three section wins in the first three rounds, Derbyshire hotshot Jason LeBosquet went into the home straight with a 4 point lead against a chasing pack that included the likes of Darren Cox, Greg Norris, Andy Kinder and Paul Holland.
Barston has a habit of biting back and unseating the race leaders, as was the case last year when Grant Albutt snatched victory from under the noses of Darren Cox and Pete Bailey. Le Bosquets cushion meant that he only needed to finish 4th to secure the title, but with Norris in his section, his work was cut out as a win for Norris and a fourth for LeBosquet would undo all of his hard work through the series. He started well on the pellet feeder but the mid stages of the match at a cold and breezy Barston saw his catch rate drop. By the end he knew he was there or thereabouts but as the rest of the section was weighed before him and three very good weights were recorded the tension showed, particularly when Norris recorded the biggest weight in section.
As his fish went on the scales he had 11 kg to beat, and there was smiles all round as the pointer swung to 18kg 250 and he was confirmed as second in section and the new UK Champ.
Elsewhere around the lake the fishing was generally slow but one or two pegs were producing carp. A ding dong battle ensued between Paul Holland and Grant Albutt both fishing to the fountain, Grant on liquidized boilie in the feeder and boilie on the hook, against Pauls double red maggot on the ground bait feeder. They were virtually fish for fish but in the end it was the boilie that reigned supreme as three 10 lb plus fish for Grant in the last 15 mins put him at the top of the pile for the individual match honours with 49.005kg against Paul Holland 35.910kg.
The whole series was concluded with a meal and presentation at Barston courtesy of Preston Innovations and Barston lakes and the matches were televised for Sky Sports and will be broadcast in the coming weeks.
For more info about the UK Angling Champs or to get your name on the waiting list for next year log on to www.ukanglingchampionship.co.uk