The Senior Section Championship Series got underway on Sunday 15 June with match 1 of the new campaign (for the Tom Hopewell Memorial Trophy) at Grange Pond, Long Eaton. 

Use of pumps to extract the water had reduced levels down to the fishing pegs for the first time in 2 years, and although the resident carp failed to co-operate, at least competitors were able to fish in relative comfort.  On the encouraging side, anglers all round the lake had 'line bites' throughoutr the day whenever they ledgered, evidence that the carp are moving around.

Defending Champion Paul Richardson opted to fish for 'silvers' halfway through the event and was able to amass a pole caught weight of 11 lb 4 oz, mainly consisting of quality roach, to give him maximum points from peg 12.

In contrast, Stef Fedyszyn fished method feeder (baited with maggot) throughout from peg 22 and was rewarded with 2 tench and a 'skimmer' bream in the last hour for 9 lb 12 oz and second place.

Third place fell to Carl Henrick (peg 23) with 4 lb 12 oz of 'silvers', edging out his father, Rob Henrick's 3 lb 4 oz from peg 4.  Dave Kent (peg 16) took fifth with 1 lb 12 oz, Mick Lager (peg 27) sixth with 1 lb 8 oz.