Bob Campbell, right, is presented with his trophy having won the inaugural Frank Lythgoe Memorial Match
THE calendar would tell us that summer is still here, but I think it’s fair to say that weather-wise it’s possibly over...
Plenty of rain and gusty winds make it feel like late-Autumn already – and last Sunday felt just like that.
However, it mustn't dampen our spirits – and it certainly didn’t during Sunday’s Frank Lythgoe Memorial match on the River Mersey.
Anglers on the day were greeted with tea, coffee and biscuits and at 8.45am, 36 anglers drew their pegs and off they went to set up on the bank. Help was provided for those who were less familiar with this venue and all-in was called at 10.30.
Committee member Ian Robinson and I walked the banks and with mild weather, we thought that maybe we’d dodged the forecasts.
Sadly, it wasn’t to be and half an hour later it began to rain (which persisted for most of the day). Occasionally there was even a welcome heavy spell to really put your waterproofs to the test! However, much to my amazement (and as a testimony to the anglers involved) despite the awful weather, nearly everyone was in a good mood.
Aside from a handful of “Did Not Weighs” who took the (possibly sensible) option to get home and warm up, most saw the match through and stayed afterwards for the prize giving.
Again, tea and coffee and the odd chocolate biscuit helped with the warming-up and most seemed very happy to have a chat with us and share some tactics and their findings of the day.
Never lose heart and never give up! Match winner Bob Campbell can definitely vouch for that as, after a very slow start and only catching bits for the first hour (with even quieter spells during the heavier downpours), he finally located a shoal of bream.
He started catching them one after another and in the last 45 minutes, he must have caught seven or eight.
Ian and I stood there and could not believe what we saw – every cast of his feeder, it would splash down halfway out and a minute later Bob was bringing in a clonking bream. One was so big it wouldn’t fit in his landing net.
It wasn’t just regular match anglers that participated – we also had two celebrities on the bank as Ken Hewitt and Dave Gardener, aka our “Dynamic Duo,” took part in the event.
Dave had his pole snapped by something big but luckily, he had a spare rod to keep him going – a bit more about this pair later on.
After final weighing, all anglers were invited to attend the official presentation of the Frank Lythgoe Memorial match Trophy.
Frank’s wife Lynda, son Michael and daughter Wendy also attended to mark the event. Former WAA chairman and one of Frank’s closest friends Chris Grehan presented the trophy and handed out all the prizes.
Prize-wise, Bob Campbell came in first with a cracking weight of 33-10-0 and chose the Aventus 12ft rod worth over £400.
Second-place Simon Norman netted a Centris reel with his haul of 21-4-0 and third place Harold Billing wasn’t far behind with 18-15-0 and scored himself a Guru Fusion X Case.
Other GURU prizes included Fusion Rod case, Fusion Bait Pro, Fusion Base Carryall, Fusion net bag and Fusion pole holdall. These prizes were kindly donated by Guru and organized by Wendy Lythgoe.
Also, a huge thanks to Ian at Newton Tackle and Bait for donating a plethora of additional prizes so that no angler would leave empty-handed.
Additionally, three rods, reels, end tackle and numerous bags of pellets and ground bait were handed out to those who did not make the podium.
After everyone had collected their prizes, Chris Grehan delivered a heartfelt speech and a reminder of some of Frank's many achievements for the club culminating with the notion that everyone said “Frank was mad to think that one day we’d be fishing matches on the Mersey.”
A very poignant and well-placed nod to the hard work that both Frank and the WAA have always put into the future generations of anglers.
It was a brilliant day and one that we’ll be sure to repeat. I would like to personally say a huge thank you to everyone who supported the club during preparations, donations and organizing the event, and I look forward to seeing you there next year!
Now, a change of pace and we’re back to our Dynamic Duo. They both decided to have a practice session on the River Mersey in preparation for the big match on Sunday.
Catching well over 60 fish each meant there weren't many casts that didn’t produce quality fish, from roach and perch to dace and skimmers. Dave also possibly broke his pb as he caught a seven-inch long gudgeon.
It was a very enjoyable morning for both of them. Well done guys.
A bit of housekeeping now with a couple of reminders…
Upcoming work party: Rixton Claypits on September 21 from 9am. All help is appreciated.
The WAA headquarters will be open again on Friday, September 26, from 6.30pm until 8.30pm. You’re welcome to come along for a chat, get advice or to resolve any enquiries – 52 Parker St, Warrington.
Finally – Check, Clean, Dry. Despite the weather, it’s still as important as ever to check, clean and dry your equipment to prevent the spread of disease from water to water. Thank you for your continued support and doing your bit.
Anthony Higham’s report from the River Mersey match, 14/09/2025
The river level at the start of the match was higher than normal but steady at 3.8m with a gentle flow and a bit of a tint.
Bob Campbell catches plenty of bream to take victory – he fished peg 33 with rod and ground bait feeder and wasn’t shy with the feed.
In second place fishing peg 31 was Simon Norman – he also located bream for a great weight of 21-4-0. Well-done Simon.
In third place, fishing the pole on peg 57, was Harold Billing.
Results for River Mersey match
1. B. Campbell 33-10-0
2. S. Norman 21-4-0
3. H. Billing 18-15-0
Section winners in the park were Bob Campbell, Kevin Ashurst, Baz Chambers and Ross Wightman.
Section winners on the walk were Demo Andrusjak, Harry Bling, Lee Derbyshire and Pete Jones.
Next week, draw as usual at 8.45am at Victoria Park. To book on, please text 07961855790 or message through the dedicated Facebook page.
Jimmy Byrne’s report from the Disabled and Over 60s match at Stage Lane
The weather was even worse than on Sunday – strong winds and heavy rain throughout the day made it challenging. Well done to everyone who braved the weather.
Rod Fraser won the match with a weight of 12-9-0. He had some clonking roach on caster.
Second place was taken by Dean Loftus who also caught on caster. Tony Carr fished with pinkie and caster.
Well done to everyone.
1. R. Fraser 12-9-0
2. D. Loftus 9-15-8
3. T. Carr 5-15-9
The next match is to be at Trent and Mersey at Billinge
Please send your catch reports to secretary@warrington-anglers.org.uk or message 07395185026.
Please include a brief description and method used with a picture or two where possible. Thank you.