Alliman Shield Round 5 – Watson’s Bay – May 4th 2014

Ian Puckeridge - Tailor
Ian Puckeridge – Tailor

Conditions: Westerly winds with strong gusts up to 25knots during the competition, a North Easter did appear out of nowhere approximately 11am to 11.40am where the breeze swung back to the West and increased steadily throughout the day. Seas pancake flat with a non-existent swell up until the NorEaster came rising to about 1m dying out as quickly as the wind change did. Harbour was choppy later in the day. Visibility was excellent south up to 20m while North was so-so. South today was the way to go with those running north not overly happy.

The Dolphins had 19 sign on and weigh in, the Dragons surprisingly, where we thought they would come out en masse, had only 10 members, many believing the event would be cancelled and not bothering to get out of bed. We smashed them, everywhere, overall points 3975 to their 2769.

GPS Marks

Dolphin’s Junior, son of a gun Aaron Puckeridge continued his fine form taking out his successive Alliman with a splendid 22 species and 990 points. Quite achiever Derrick Cruz runner up with a solid 888 points and 16 species there were some splendid fish in his catch. Ian Puckeridge 3rd 845 points; Grizzly Whaler Steve Wayne made an appearance to land 813 points for 4th. Paul “Mud Crab” Marsh gaining a PB with 517 and 5 species of Leather Jacket for 11th, Sam Krywulycz also a PB score with 471 and 14th overall.

Meritorious Species:

Bream 1050gm – 84pts – Derrick Cruz
Red Rock Cod 1655gm – 99pts – Derrick Cruz
Red Rock Cod 1400gms – 84pts – Sam Krywulycz
Yellow tail Kingfish 5685gm (largest fish on day for SSD) – Parry Gryllis

Deep Body Jacket 2400gm – 96pts – Pete Manolias (club record)
Rock Blackfish 3400gm – 68pts – Sam Krywulycz
Yellow Spot Surgeon 1850gm – 74pts – Derrick Cruz
Tassie 2200gm – 88pts – Aaron Puckeridge
King Wrasse – 1075gm – 64pts – Ian Puckeridge

Clown Triggerfish - Derrick Cruz
Clown Triggerfish – Derrick Cruz

and of course the Clown Triggerfish – 885gm – 43pts – Derrick Cruz

Dez donated the Triggerfish to Mark McGruther at the Australian Museum and it is only the second Clown Triggerfish in their collection, Mark was stoked to have it.

Deep Body Leather Jacket 2400gm – 96pts – Peter Manolias (club record)
Deep Body Leather Jacket 2400gm – 96pts – Peter Manolias (club record)

Pete’s Deep Body is a sensational fish and it ties with 3 others of the same weight going back to the 80’s, amazing, the three spearos all former much loved characters being Froggo Goldsmith,  Dave Andrews and “Rocky” Rob Thomas, Rocky came to the 60th.

Special mention made to the Harbour master, Scotty Bailey whose boat always contributes along with Wade’s Seydel very important harbour species. Alex Delpopolo just missing out on a club record Fan Belly weighing just shy of the 800gms that is the current record.

The Dolphins won the 4 man Team convincingly with over 3300pts scored. Overall we lead the competition by 3 points with the Dragons in second place. Derrick is leading the Open individual Championship, Benny Bayfield close behind and breathing down their necks is Evan Leeson in 3rd other Dolphins feature in the Top 20. Nine Dolphins in the top 20, just fantastic!

Parry and Dave manning the scales
Parry and Dave manning the scales

Thanks to Parry & Dave Rogers for doing the scales, and Pat Mullins, who is in fine form and came 16th on the day, for keeping us all entertained as always.

Hope to see you all with sharp spears, and wits, at the next one at Gunnamatta Bay.

See you down there!