After a difficult round 7, hopes were high for a much better result when 20 anglers met at Woodford Lodge for round eight of the Evening League. Although the fishing had been hard, a recent stocking from the net cage gave plenty of encouragement to the competitors. Despite the fresh westerly wind blowing at the start, the forecast was for decreasing winds and no rain. Most boats headed towards Villice Bay where fish were being taken earlier in the day. Although there were some excellent fish taken over the previous few days close to the weedbeds, most of the boats opted for a drift towards the Island and this proved well founded as anglers were soon into fish. Dries were working but the best method seemed to be pulling a bright booby or blob quickly across the surface.
At the weigh-in it was obvious that few had fished for the more resident corixae feeders and had chased and found the recent stockies. Eight of the twenty took their limit of six fish and a total of 84 trout were taken. Top rod on the night was John Bowen whose fish weighed 10.09. Ben Keedwell was second with Chris Homeyard third. Current leader Martin Burgess could only manage ninth but by beating Mark Withyman (10th) he still managed to retain his overall lead.
With two matches still to go his total is 93 with Mark just behind on 85. Andy Beattie is thrid 83, John Bowen fourth 79, Ben Keedwell fifth 78 and Mark Stevens sixth 76. It's still possible for any of the top six to still win but if Martin wins either of the final two matches he will become 2009 Champion.
