Alan Thomas produced the outstanding individual performance as Spalding Fishing Club returned to the National Championship for the first time in many years.
The competition brought together 34 teams on the Grand Union Canal, with the fishing taking place between Northampton and Milton Keynes. Spalding entered the event knowing it would be difficult to match many of the sponsored canal sides, but still finished disappointed after ending the championship in 24th place.
Thomas takes second in his zone
Thomas provided the clearest success for the Spalding team at Grafton Regis. He finished second in his 34-peg zone after recording a catch of 3kg 150g.
His result was described as an excellent performance. Thomas comprehensively beat the anglers around him and also won his nine-peg section, giving the club a major individual highlight during its return to the national competition.
The zone result meant Thomas was one of the leading Spalding performers in the championship, despite the team’s overall 24th-place finish. His section victory added another notable achievement to the second-place zone result.
Other commendable Spalding results
Spalding captain David Corcoran also recorded a strong result, finishing eighth in his section. Rob Madden and Matthew Corcoran each came 12th in their respective sections.
Those results provided further encouragement for the club in a competition featuring 34 teams and experienced sponsored canal outfits. However, the overall result did not meet Spalding’s hopes, with the club finishing 24th.
For the remainder of the team, the championship proved much more difficult. Rob Ferraro, Laz Crow, Alfie Kendall, Gary Hardy, Colin Fisher and Andy Wilson were all listed among the anglers for whom the event became a day to forget.
Spalding Fishing Club’s return therefore produced a mixed outcome: a disappointing team placing, but a standout display from Thomas, supported by section performances from captain David Corcoran, Rob Madden and Matthew Corcoran.