The 2016 Drennan Knockout Cup Champion

Jack Reid

Robbie Griffiths is this year’s Match Fishing Drennan Knockout Cup Champion!

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Robbie Griffiths joins a star-studded list of Drennan Knockout Cup Champions!

This year’s four worthy finalists were Ian Didcote, Warren Martin, Steve Barraclough and Robbie Griffiths. All of them fished exceptionally well over the two days on the Match Lake at the ever impressive Docklow Pools in Herefordshire. Steve was the early leader after catching over 100lb on Day One, but with just 26lb separating all four anglers it was well and truly game on for Day Two.

The fishing was slightly more difficult on the second day and, although Ian and Warren caught well, neither could do quite enough to pull back their previous day’s weight deficit. Even with Warren tempting some sizeable margin fish in the closing stages it looked like Steve or Robbie would be victorious going into the last hour. Robbie was catching well on fancied peg 24 and Steve was doing his best to hold on to his lead on the less desirable peg 6. It was neck and neck all the way between the two of them and, even when the final whistle blew, no one was quite sure who had come out on top.

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Robbie Griffiths, the 2016 Drennan Knockout Cup Champion (centre), with Drennan’s Grant Albutt (left) and Match Fishing’s Tom Scholey (right).

After a tense weigh in it was Preston Innovations-backed Robbie who was confirmed the 2016 Drennan Knockout Cup Champion with an excellent 164lb 12oz total weight. Nurturing several swims and never exhausting any of them proved to be the winning formula. He was presented with the coveted silver trophy and a £5,000 cheque by former winner and Drennan-backed Grant Albutt and last year’s champ and Match Fishing editor Tom Scholey.

Robbie in action at Docklow Pools.
Robbie in action at Docklow Pools.

Browning’s Steve Barraclough collected £1,000 and was a valiant runner up with 158lb. Matrix’s Warren Martin was just behind in third place with 149lb 1oz and Garbolino’s Ian Didcote was fourth with 121lb.

Thanks to Match Fishing and Docklow Pools for putting on another fantastic Final. The crowd was treated to a brilliant two-day spectacle. You’ll be able to read all about how the anglers caught in a future issue of Match Fishing. The event was also filmed for a forthcoming episode of Match Fishing Live. Well done to all involved!

Overall Result:

  • 1st Robbie Griffiths (Preston) 164lb 12oz
  • 2nd Steve Barraclough (Browning) 158lb
  • 3rd Warren Martin (Matrix) 149lb 1oz
  • 4th Ian Didcote (Garbolino) 121lb