Local anglers were locked in a ‘tense titanic clash’ at Richgate Park.
The tension and excitement could be felt as the top four clubs of the Angling Professional League (APL) did battle. The AA Coaches semi-final took place on December 12.
After the Knock-out Eliminator, Breakwaters AC went up against sister club, Stillwaters AC in Zones 1 and 2.
Dannhauser AC and Challengers AC fished in Zones 3 and 4.
“Interestingly, all clubs decided to wear their new attire for the occasion, and they looked impressive and colourful,” commented the APL Chairman, Matthew Shunmugam.
He noted that both Breakwaters and Stillwaters AC ‘had a field day’, with both clubs recording impressive scores – 234 for BAC and 155 for Stillwaters.
“The ‘Angler of the Day’ position went to Monty Slabbert of BAC with 37 points. He received the purple cap, an outright trophy and R200. Breakwaters was ranked as the favourites, while Stillwaters AC gave a spirited performance. They recorded the most points they’ve earned in an APL competition this season.”
He added that the rejuvenated and determined Challengers team were determined to beat Dannhauser AC. This team showed an outstanding performance this season.
“Strategies and carefully thought-out plans came to the fore as these rival teams tried to secure a place in the Knock-Out Finals. In the end, Challengers AC triumphed over Dannhauser AC, with a score of 150 points to 133 points. With both Breakwaters and Challengers advancing to the finals, it is reminiscent of past seasons, where both clubs clashed in many finals. This will make for an interesting Knock-Out Final competition on February 27, 2022 at Sandford,” quipped Shunmugam.
The next fixture of the APL, the Mohamed Midas League 5, is set to take place on February 6, 2022 at Richgate Park – this will determine the winners in each category of the APL.
Current title contenders:
- Elias Dabooda of Challengers AC in the Heaviest Scaled Fish category (a carp of 4256kg, plus a R500 incentive for landing a carp over the 4kg mark)
- Sikander Amod of Breakwaters AC in the Heaviest Non-Scaled Fish category (a barbel of 7.365kg)
- Erick de Bruycker of Stillwaters AC with a Rare Specie prize (a kurper of 1.420kg, plus a R500 incentive prize)
- Ethan Jansen of Dannhauser AC – Junior Angler of the Year (6 points)
- Talia Boodhoo of Stillwaters AC – Lady Angler of the Year (3 points)
- Ronnie Rampersadh of Breakwaters AC – Senior Angler of the Year (38 points).
- Monty Slabbert of BAC is at the top of the current APL log with 58 points and also holds the orange cap. Hot on his heels are Basheer Abdool of Dannhauser AC on 57 points, and Wayne Oosthuizen of BAC on 53 points.
The top three anglers of the season will receive tackle vouchers worth R3 000, R2 000 and R1 000 respectively, with the compliments of Mohamed Midas and the APL.
The ‘Angler of the Year’ will win the ultimate prize – a family weekend at a prestigious venue on the Vaal.
“The log leaders of the other clubs put themselves in contention to win a R250 tackle voucher, sponsored by Mohamed Midas. The contenders are Darren Botha of Challengers AC, with 31 points, Mark Ince of Stillwaters AC, with 29 pts, and Ridwaan Raheman of Glencoe AC, with 21 points. Members will be taking a well-deserved break from competitive angling. Keep safe and enjoy the festive season!” concluded Shunmugam.
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