Wiley Challenge Cup 1 of 3 | Hamsey | June 22nd 2025

1. Norman Cragg | 3lbs 7oz | peg 4
2. Darren Chilcott | 2lbs 13oz | peg 1
3. Colin Ryall | 2lbs 13oz | peg 2

Match Overview

The first leg of the Willey Challenge Cup held on Hamsey was a slightly cooler and windy affair with the river not fishing quite as well as expected, probably due to the recent heat wave and the clarity of the water. None the less it proved to be a very close contest with Norman Cragg just edging out Colin Ryall and Darren Chilcott by ten ounces weighing in 3-7-0 of Roach, chublets and Dace fishing waggler and maggots. Darren and Colin both had similar nets but Colin managed a bonus eel to finish on 2-13-0 with Darren fishing the pole and Colin using a flick tip. There unfortunately was a considerable amount of seaweed in the river which posed a problem in the latter stages of the match as the wind pushed it to the near bank causing difficulty in presenting a bait and stopping Norman completely by 2 pm.