Overcast skies on a warm, still morning greeted the 26 anglers who assembled at the picturesque waters at the lower end of our stretch below East Lock to fish the Chapman Pole Match.

Excitement was high as the socially distant draw took place and the match men proceeded to their pegs for this episode of the all-rounder series.  The Medway still in sluggish mood with clear water and no flow was going to make the competitors work hard for the rewards on offer.

Local lad, Mick Smith, took advantage of his favoured peg to present the scales with 16lb 1ox of sizeable Bream and quality Roach to take max points and top position.  Current Kent Champion and pole ace Stevie Parker found his form to secure second position with 11lb 5oz of quality Roach and mixed silvers followed by accomplished veteran Tony Hyland who took third position with 9lb 8oz of mixed silvers and Bream.  Ed Palmer took “Fish of the Day” honours which was an eel with a fine 1lb 8oz slippery customer and Martyn Hill on the Golden Peg had a cracking start to the match but saw his chance of glory evaporate as his swim failed to live up to expectations.  The majority of the field had something to show by the end of the day on this idyllic section, until torrential rain washed out the last half hour of what was a most enjoyable session.

Mick Smith with his winning bag