Last week I took part in a fund raising match at Border Fisheries Cheshire, a match which was organized by Dave Smith and the Bay Malton AC: In honour of Jeff Moors, "a truly exceptional angler" who has been given six to twelve months to live following a battle with cancer.
Congratulations and a big thank you must go to them for their efforts. It was not surprisingly attended by one hundred and thirty nine Anglers "a complete sell out field with a substantial waiting list". Many of the countries top Anglers took part and it was a complete success with many tackle dealers contributing endless prizes in a raffle in order to raise funds, I believe in excess of five grand was raised which is a measure of Jeff's quality and popularity.
I don't take part in serious competition these day's but I have known Jeff for the past twenty years and have always admired his unquestionable talent for Angling. His dedication to the sport and his willingness to drop you tips! and discuss tackle in order to help you do better next time Is unrivalled. He also did a great deal to help up and coming youngsters which is also a credit to him!, he is to say the least one of the most admired and likable people on the match circuit.
After the match I spoke briefly to previous world champ Tommy Pickering and asked him how he had got on as I new he had drawn bad. He said he had a couple of carp and they would have gone ten pounds but it did not matter "that's not what it was all about" Immediately I thought what a nice thing to say but he was so right.
A considerable numbers of Anglers went back to the pub for a drink and a chat after the match,where I also had the opportunity to have a brief word with Neil Machin a man whom has achieved so much in the world of match Angling. Knowing Jeff had guided him in his early days Naturally I wanted to learn what he had to say, to his credit he immediately appraised Jeff as being a class act.
One thing worthy of note and pleasing to see after the match, was that Andy his son won his section , he was in my section only two pegs away and it goes without saying must have fished his heart out! with himself achieving a great deal of success on the open circuit It Is beyond doubt he Is destined to follow in his fathers footsteps.
The other thing that comes to mind is that I once witnessed Jeff catch in excess of seventy pounds of carp to win an open match on conventional waggler tactics, which was way before commercial fisheries where established and before pellets where introduced.
Jeff approached me in the pub and told me that he was overwhelmed by the support and response to it all. he then paid tribute to all his mates in a brief speech.
I am one of many who have been saddened and devastated to learn of Jeff's demise, but am also one hundred percent certain, he will remain in my memory, and in the memory of a great many others in the times ahead.
Thanks mate!!
