But it was far from plain-sailing for nine-times winners Llanelli. The Scarlets were given a scare by First Division new boys Caerphilly, who came back from 20-3 to go down fighting 20-17 Scrum-half Rupert Moon scored two tries for Llanelli.. Contrary to what most people believe, writing this column does not open the door to a wealth of tackle, free holidays and invitations to fish exclusive waters. Never mind the fact that this newspaper frowns upon such bribes, believing that they could damage a man’s integrity.. Chance would be a fine thing.

I’m sitting here looking at one of the few perks of my job: a new style of rod handle ergonomically shaped to make fly-casting easier It looks an excellent idea. The problem is, I now have to buy two graphite rod blanks, line guides, reel fittings, whipping cotton and varnish, then build the rod, to find out how effective it will be. So for a pounds 2 rod handle that I received for nothing, I would probably have to pay another pounds 60 for materials. Then there’s the actual assembly, which because I’m left- handed will take me twice as long.
Free fishing? You’ve got to be kidding. For the past 25 years, I’ve written an angling column in the Reading Evening Post, a throwback to the days when I worked there as a lowly sub-editor.

A couple of years ago, I suggested to the chairman of the area’s main club that he might like to send me a complimentary permit for all the publicity I gave his association. It was a privilege I was unlikely to use more than six times a year, but it would be a nice gesture and I could see at first hand the improvements taking place on the waters, blah blah. He reacted as if I had accused him of sexually abusing hamsters.His argument (though not quite in these words) was that I would have to write about them anyway as the main club, so why should they waste a free permit on the likes of me? So I continue to act as the club’s publicity officer, though I’m not allowed to go on to their waters. However, because I’m petty and vindictive, I now take every opportunity to criticise them when they do something stupid (which is actually quite often). And I still haven’t got a free permit.This week, however, my faith in the milk of human kindness was repaid when I received a free permit from Wellingborough and District Nene Angling Club. Accompanying the club book was a delightful note from the secretary, Richard Blenkharn, saying: “Please come and enjoy our waters or come on a club match.”The club has stretches of the river Nene (locals pronounce it Nen), the Ouse and several lakes Better still, Wellingborough is only 30 minutes’ drive away. I haven’t fished any of the waters but I am sure they are all excellent.