Sport digest
FISHING SWANSWATER
The weather turned milder for a spell this week with some fine sunny spells, some showers, and some strong wind and rain on Sunday. The water temperature went from 3.5C to almost 6C midweek, before dropping back to 4C at the weekend; water clarity remains excellent.
The fish were generally around 3-4 feet down and an intermediate line was working best. On Swanswater fish were to be found in the channel, at the roadside and around the big tree. The most successful flies included Dancer, Ally Mccoist, Egg, Green Cat, Black lure, Damsel, Cormorant, Diawl Bach, Buzzer, and Black Pennel.
On the bait pond, where the water is also crystal clear, the fish were well spread out and power bait, spinning and worms were the taking most of the fish.
The fishery is open from 8am to 4pm every day except Thursday when we close at 2.30pm. Please check before travelling for any unexpected closures due to weather conditions.
Amongst the best bags on the fly ponds were: Robert Smith 4 for 13lb, plus 7 C&R; John Mooney 4 for 13lb, plus 2 C&R; Danny Doherty 4 for 12lb; Jimmy Higgins 4 for 12lb; Alan Evans 4 for 11lb 8oz, plus 6 C&R; George Evans 4 for 11lb 8oz, plus 6 C&R; Jimmy Mclauchlan 3 for 12lb; Peter Paterson 3 for 8lb 12oz; Ricky Goodwin 3 for 8lb 8oz; Steve Narborough 3 for 9lb 12oz; Robert Rankin 3 for 9lb 4oz including 4lb Blue, plus 4 C~&R; Donald Mcmurchy 3 for 8lb; Peter Comrie 3 for 6lb 12oz from the Meadow Pond, plus 4 C&R; Paul Wan 2 for 8lb; Willie Smillie 2 for 7lb 4oz; Barry Lee 2 for 6lb 12oz; Tom Pate 2 for 6lb 8oz; Calen Mclachlan 2 for 6lb; Charlie Price 2 for 5lb 12oz; Neil Sheddon caught and released 9; David Morrison caught and released 6; Nigel Muckle caught and released 5 including 5lb Tiger; Alan Hay caught and released 4 including 6lb Rainbow; Mick Mulgrew caught and released 4.
Those doing well on the Millpond (fly and bait) included: Jiri Uhyrek 3 for 14lb including 7lb 8oz Rainbow; Robbie Livingston 3 for 9lb 8oz; Darren Nugent 3 for 7lb; Billy Reid 3 for 7lb; Jack Morrison 2 for 4lb 8oz.
GOLF BRIDGE OF ALLAN
As the number of weeks until the start of the new summer golf season gets under way drops into the single digits, the winter competitions continue to heat up.
This weekend saw the usual gents competitions taking place amid conditions which were more reminiscent of March than January.
Friday saw the senior gents competition and Gordon Darlington led the field with 20 points amid challenging conditions. This was enough for a two point victory over Jim Black who returned a score of 18 points. George Reid took third place with 17 points.
In the senior gents overall competition, David Santi currently holds a one point lead over Hugh Dent with Mike Smith and Dougie Gebbie close behind. A player’s best six scores across the winter period count towards the overall score so there is still all to play for.
In the Saturday competition this weekend, Colin Gray won the competition with 21 points, beating Bert Zanelli by a point. Ian Grieve was in third spot with 18 points.
In the Saturday overall competition, Stuart Vannet continues to enjoy the lead after a strong start to the winter season. Hugh Dent and Simon Lyall are three points back with Dougie Gebbie a further point back.
STIRLING
Thomas Stewart was installed Stirling Golf Club club captain for the 2023 year at last Wednesday’s AGM.
Russell Mclean was installed as vicevaptain. We wish both well in their roles for 2023.
The Opening Day Annual Match – Captain’s Team v Vice Captain’s Team – will be held on Saturday, March 25. Details to participate will be posted soon.
However, after a long hiatus the popular cocktail party is back on the evening of opening day.
Tickets, priced £15, are now on sale at the bar. Ticket price includes a finger buffet and cocktails between 7-9pm. Full details in notice in foyer.
Entries and now being accepted for the Captain’s Prize and Club Foursomes. Entry fee is £5 and £10 respectively. Please read the notice in the foyer or gent’s locker room on details to enter. Closing date is February 28.
The holder – Andrew Stewart – is in Australia so runner-up Steven Duncan will be looking to go one better this year. Andy Wilson and Chris Goode will defend the Club Foursomes.
Finally, with the course still recovering from the elements players are reminded to stay outside the roped-off areas and keep outside the white lines. Players are encouraged to carry a pencil bag – <14 clubs is a great challenge and opportunity to increase your shotmaking skills.
Please repair all pitch marks.