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So here are the two anglers making day two…

With four even pegs the match was always going to be too close to call and that certainly proved the case.

Andy Power and Rob Wootton set an early pace on pegs five and eight. The general consensus suggested that 80lb would be enough to progress to day two.

Waggler and feeder tactics were the starting gambit for all, but it wasn't long until Gary, Andy and Rob were plundering the long pole line – a swim that Geoff had taken the decision not to feed preferring to rely on a short meat line only.

As the match progressed Gary was doing superbly, but lost a quick succession of huge carp. However, other anglers were suffering the same fate, but to a lesser degree, as Rob and Andy plundered the F1s.

Three-quarters of the way through the match the result was looking too close to call between Andy, Rob and Geoff and, unfortunately, those lost fish had left Gary trailing at that point.

Some huge late fish on the margin and short lines started to bring Geoff right into play, but it was Andy Power’s last 20-minute margin spell that was wowing the crowds. Five fish for an estimated 35lb had the other contenders running.

It was the scales that would have the deciding vote though and Gary was the first to weigh putting 81-12-0 on the scales. That looked good, but Gary had a sneaky suspicion he’d be short on weight. That was confirmed when Andy dropped 137-14-0 on. However, with two spaces available Gary needed Rob and Geoff to fall short of his weight.

It wasn't to be for Gary though as Rob’s 119-1-0 looked good… until Geoff, who was last to weigh, put 132-4-0 on to secure his place in day two’s match.

Sadly that sees Gary and Rob, who have both been former winners of this event, out of the race. There’s no denying that both have done superbly to get this far in the event, but Andy and Geoff both have their eyes firmly on the prize for tomorrow. However, there can be only one winner…

Tune in tomorrow for more and don't miss the December issue of Match Fishing magazine for the full story.