Ossies Memorial Shield
First Annual Competition

Saturday, 29th September 2001 saw the first Annual Competition for the Ossie Jones Memorial Shield get under way. 22 keen flyfishers actively competed for the honour of being the first to have their name engraved on the Shield.

After some very unsettled weather over the week before, the day itself reminded everyone that summer had not yet quite gone. Bright blue skies, with just a hint of cloud and a slight breeze, promised a good days fishing ahead.

Bryn ensured everyone was aware of the rules before blowing the whistle to commence fishing. Fish had already started to show as the competition got under way and Bob Connor was into a fish practically on his first cast.

Later, Bob was to strongly deny claims that he had cheated by having his short-legged, long-tailed, pointed-nosed guide dog defend his peg against anyone encroaching.

The chap on the next peg hasn't been seen since and the investigation continues. Anyone knowing the breed of his guide dog is asked to inform the Committee....

A Lunch Break was organised for 1pm, by which time most were in need of a suitable liquid refreshment from the Lakeside Inn. The mornings session had gone fairly well with quite a few fish being taken - among them a fish of 6¼ lbs for Hilton Williams.

Things got decidedly quieter during the afternoon session with the sun beaming down as if it were still the middle of July, with not a breath of wind to ripple the surface !

Fish were still being taken but rather sporadically now. By the end of the final period though, a total of 33 fish had been taken and the process of judging who had won fell to Bryn to total all score sheets. Luckily, no-one had caught over ten.... (Ahem !).

After adjourning to the Lakeside Inn, a short speech was made by Ossies Daughter, Jackie Morris, who also did the honours by presenting the first winner of the Memorial Challenge, Rob Jones, with the magnificent Memorial Shield.

And the winner is......

Rob Jones - 5 Fish

Two anglers shared Second place with a bag of 4 Fish ....

Hilton Williams - Equal Second - 4 Fish		Trevor Dart - Equal Second - 4 Fish

Three anglers vied for the third position with a bag of 3 Fish...

Phil Bethell - Equal Third	Bob Connor - Equal Third

Garreth Griffiths - Equal Third

Biggest brace (8lb 12oz) was also won by Hilton Williams.

Finally, Bryn and Neil, together with Ossies family, would like to thank all those anglers that took part for their support in making the day such a success. Thank you all..