RATHER than fishing better than the first match at Swine Lane in early September, last Sunday’s Winter League match turned out to be even worse with none of the weights topping a 1,000g.

A strong westerly wind and a multitude of floating leaves was blamed for the poor showing although only one angler was water-licked out of the 22 who fished.

Veteran competitor, Ernest Ramsbotham, found the venue to his liking again – he won in September – and was first again with 890g (1:15:0). His haul comprised of just four fish, a perch, a roach and two skimmer bream.

Ian Parker had ten roach for his second place weight of 740g (1:10:0) whilst DarrenWright was third with 710g (1:9:0) of small fish. Dave Moffat had similar fish in his fourth place catch of 590g (1:4:8).

In the Pairs competition, Thornton & Parker just managed to hold off Ramsbotham & Heaton to win with 1,050g (2:5:0), the latter pair having 1,030g (2:4:4).Wright & Barrett were third with 870g 1:14:8) whilst the father and son partnership of R & D Fenn were fourth with 840g (1:13:8).

With three matches remaining to be fished, the leading positions in both competitions are still very close. Individuals. 1 D. Wright 81pts; 2 Ian Parker 81 (minus 30g (0:1:0) on aggregate weight); 3 D.Fenn 80 and 4 E. Ramsbotham 70. Pairs: 1 Wright & Barrett 38, 2 Ramsbotham & Heaton 35, 3 R & D Fenn 35 (minus 70g (0:2:8) on aggregate) and 4 Thornton & Parker 34.

The next match will be fished this Sunday on the Long Ing length of the canal at Barnoldswick with the draw at 8am at the Ouzledale car park.

Prospects for this weekend could be affected by the weather as recent spells of rain have steadily increased the water level in the River Aire.

The remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo were expected to create 60/70 mph winds and a short spell of very heavy rain as it crossed Britain in midweek. Most of the leaves may have gone downstream by Saturday leaving the river in a better angling condition.

Providing the level is not too high, anglers may find some decent sport with grayling and chub in the quieter lengths of the river.