My first match was back in 1975 A St.Helens AA junior match on Leg O'Mutton dam a small lake aprrox 3 miles from home.
I cycled to the match with my wicker basket/seatbox and my brand new Milbro ''Blue Match'' rod strapped to the crossbar.

I fished the waggler with worm over breadcrumb and managed to put a few small roach and perch in my dads keepnet.

Fished a few junior matches around that time on the dam and further afield at Carr Mill which was a massive sheet of water for a youngster like me. Suppose i've always enjoyed the competitive side of fishing.

Funny but even though we had a car back in those days i was expected to find my own way to the matches unlike these days when ''dads'' taxi is at my kids beckon call.............