Anglers battle conditions in thrilling APL Knockout round
After a close Eliminator at Zaaihoek Dam, Zullys Tran AC defeated Challengers AC on fish mass to proceed to the APL semifinals. Read more here:
The opening round of the APL Knockout Eliminator took place on November 2 at Zaaihoek SAPS Waters, where anglers battled not only their rivals but the elements themselves.
Mist drifted over the dam, light rain hung in the air, and with every cast came the hope of landing those elusive fish.
With five clubs in the APL line-up, one had to bow out early and this time, it was the veteran side, Challengers AC, who fell in heartbreaking fashion to newcomers Zullys Tran AC.
Both teams finished with three points and two fish apiece, but the deciding factor came down to fish mass.
That narrow margin sent Zullys Tran AC through to the semi-finals in their debut season; a remarkable start for the new kids on the block.
Meanwhile, the heavyweights jostled for dominance with Dannhauser AC taking top honours with 19 points, followed by Stillwaters AC with 16 points and Breakwaters AC with 15 points; a tight finish that promises fireworks in the next round.
Photo supplied.
The semi-final fixtures are as follows:
- Dannhauser AC vs Zullys Tran AC
- Stillwaters AC vs Breakwaters AC
The latter brings a rematch loaded with tension after Breakwaters edged Stillwaters last season. Could this be Stillwater’s turn for payback?
Whatever happens next, the Grand Challenge Knockout is shaping up to be a thrilling battle of angling giants where every cast counts and every gram matters.
The Angler of the Day was Sikander Amod of Dannhauser AC, who received the red cap, R200, an outright trophy and a reel sponsored by the Ahmed Boys.
The battle for the overall top three spots in the APL is intensifying with Thasheel Rooplall (BAC – 9 pts) leading the pack, followed by Revaaj Buduram (BAC – 9 pts), Inaayat Ahmed (DAC – 9 pts) and Rodney Ince (SAC – 9 pts).
Thasheel currently holds the edge, having caught one more fish than his closest rivals. Vis Govender (CAC – 6 pts) and Junaid Adamjee (ZAC – 7 pts) are the top log leaders in their respective clubs.
The current title holders are:
- Heaviest scaled fish: Roshan Rajkaran (SAC) – 3,822 kg in L2
- Rare species: Mohamed Cassim (DAC) – Yellowfish of 2,010 kg in L3
- Junior Angler of the Year: Rishlyn Bhagaloo (BAC) – 6 pts
- Lady Angler of the Year: Sonya du Plooy (ZAC) – 3 pts
- Senior Angler of the Year: Vis Govender (CAC) – 6 pts
The rivalry will resume at the next APL competition – the Mohamed Midas League 4, at Zaaihoek Dam on November 23.
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