Saturday, 11th April 2026, saw the fifth qualifier of the Maver Match This campaign head to Partridge Lakes Fishery, where Lee Thornton secured his place in the £50,000 final with a commanding display.
Fished in blustery conditions, the Warrington venue offered a fair test across its popular Covey lakes. Despite the wind making presentation tricky at times, weights held up well, with several anglers building strong nets across the match.
Thornton, who reached the final in last year’s competition, drew peg 119 on Covey 5 and made no mistake from a productive area. Fishing a controlled match, he steadily built his weight before pulling clear of the field, eventually sealing victory with 110lb 3oz. With previous final experience already under his belt, Lee will once again head to the big stage at Hayfield Lakes later this year with high expectations.
Pushing Lee closest on the day was George Reynolds, who claimed second place from peg 105 on Covey 5 with 96lb 5oz. He put together a solid all-round performance but was unable to match the winner’s pace. Third place went to Andy May, who weighed 90lb 1oz from peg 121 on the same lake, continuing the strong showing from Covey 5 pegs.
Maver Match This 2026 Finalists
- Steve Openshaw
- Joe Stevenson
- Ross Harold
- Sam Brown
- Lee Thornton
The Maver Match This 2026 series now moves on to Tunnel Barn Farm on Wednesday, 29th April, where another opportunity to qualify for this year’s final awaits.