Last week we crowned the champion of Cofton Cup III after 5 days of exciting competition.
28 competitors lined up on 13th of May to battle it out for the cup and over £1000 in prize money, with a competition running over five days.
Monday saw 24 anglers compete in an open match to practice for the big event, with only 2 empty pegs on the match lake which was always going to be an interesting battle. Darron Smith taking the overall pools money with 39.03 from peg 25, Bob Rand placed 2nd with 36.14 from peg 23 and there were section wins for both Andy Everill 34.01 peg 16 and Ken Carter 26.0 peg 19.
Tuesday saw the start of the main competition with the first of the 2 qualifying matches and competitors split into two qualifying groups of 14, there was now plenty of space on the lake. The objective of each angler now was to finish in the top 7 positions to make the final. The bottom 7 would be placed in the plate competition later in the week.
Richard Rumney topped the qualifying and also producing the top weight of the week with 77lb 10oz from unfancied peg 1, Paul Bland finished 2nd with 69.03 peg 25 and Graham Nicklin 3rd 63.01 peg15.
Qualifier 2 on Wednesday produced some harder fishing with the lake now seeing its third day of action. Micheal Nunn topped the leaderboard recording 57.12 from peg 25 all to the method feeder showing it’s not all pole dominated. Bob Rand qualified second with 52.11 from peg 12 and reigning champion Andy Everill took third spot with 48.10 peg10.
Luke and Dave being official 
Main Competition Final
Thursday was the day of the final and our 14 qualifiers gathered for the draw with a buzz of excitement in the air. By the end of the day, we had our champion Bob Rand drew peg 12 for the second day running with a weigh in total of 58.07 to take the title Cofton Cup III champion. Bob having placed 4th in both previous Cofton cups was completely made up to eventually get his named on the cup and pick up the £500 first prize. Graham Nicklin produced 45.02 from peg 19 to take a well deserved second place netting £250 and Lee Bates 34.04 from peg 13 took 3rd picking up £150.
Friday was Plate day for the other 14 competitors and there was still glory and money to fish for. The Plate threw up argubly the best bag of the week with Ken Carter’s catch of 71.06 from peg 17 consisting of 40.07 of carp and a stunning silver net of 30.15 earning him plate champion and £100 in prize money. John Simpson’s 23.06 from peg 5 gave him 2nd and £50 with Peter Hall picking up 3rd with 22.01 from peg 19 winning a £50 meal voucher.
Paul Bland picked up Heaviest fish of the competition for a second consecutive time with an 11.10 carp beating carp of 11.09 and 11.08 a close call! Paul received a £50 meal voucher for his achievement.
Our Winner 1st, 2nd and 3rd place If you don’t drink from the cup you won’t win the cup 
Jamesons
The whole week was conducted in a fantastic competitive but fun atmosphere with many anglers making friends and swapping phone numbers. The presentation evening was well attended and much merriment and drinking was had. It was a fitting end to an amazing contest. Congratulations to Mr Bob Rand Cofton Cup III Champion.
Cofton Cup IV is taking place in September and spaces are available to book now