Rainey wins first-ever ‘Jamesy McBroom Christmas Cup’

Rainey finished ahead of Darren Haggan who caught four fish (183 cm) and third-placed Chris Spence landed three (136 cm). The most effective method of the day proved to be black and green lures fished on sinking lines.

Fishing got off to a good start with Rainey catching four from his first peg - all over 45cm - using sinking line and dark lures.

Two pegs up, Colin McCord, who was taking part in his first Woodford competition, caught a nice 45cm rainbow.

Another newbie, Darren McFadden, banked one (50 cm+), and lost three from his first peg.

Belfast angler Marc Briggs took a fish off his second peg.

Late starter Kenny Ferguson wasted no time in catching up with the leaders, catching two fish - the best of which was 47 cm.

Carrick man Chris Spence brought himself out of retirement for the occasion and enjoyed the day, banking three good fish for 136 cm.

Declan Smith was showing his brother Hubert the way with a fine brace of trout measuring 97 cm while angler Harry Lindsay, who had been struggling the Winter League, turned his form around, netting three fish for 120 cm. His best catch measured.

Darren Haggan used his experience on Woodford to catch fish from all around the lake, but a few lost fish proved be costly.