In-control Priestley prevails in pairs clash

Angling:IT was tough going in the latest Rochdale Canal pairs match.

Only two competitors weighed in, with victory going to Roger Priestley, of Maver NW.

He recorded his second win in the four-match series, with caster and bread punch at various lengths tempting 10 skimmers for 9lb 14oz.

Martin Taylor (Trabrucco Halifax) had 20 tiny roach on bread punch for 5oz.



NEWHEY angler Simon Walton landed first place in the last of the Thornhill Pairs series of matches on a rock-hard Thornhill Canal.
The Maver NW rod dominated the event. He had 3lb 6oz of roach and perch on the 16-metre pole and bloodworm over a bed of joker.

Victory was enough to clinch Walton the overall individual title and pairs competition with Daz Kershaw.



PETE Mottram pocketed top honours in the Todmorden AS trophy match on Townhouse Fishery.
He landed carp in the 4-5lb bracket on the tip and pellet for a 40lb 2oz total.

Runner-up Mick Clegg (31lb 4oz) boasted a similar stamp of carp on the tip and maggot.



ALAN Bedford, a well-known figure on the Northern canal scene, has died.
He was Slaithwaite AS stalwart. An accomplished all-rounder, Alan had numerous wins and placings on a variety of waters.

I last met him before Christmas, when I was drawn next to him on the Shipley length of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal - and he gave me a real lesson on how it should be done.

His funeral will take place at Huddersfield Crematorium on Friday, March 8 (10.30am).


Venue Guide
Denshaw Vale: Memberships are available. For further details, contact John on 665 1779.

Dowry Reservoir: Day tickets available from Tight Lines in Shaw and Sheddings Angling.

Ogden Reservoir: Day tickets on the bank and at Tight Lines in Shaw.

Strinesdale Reservoir: Day tickets on the bank.

Cargate pool: Medlock Bridge AC members-only water.

Rochdale Canal: Hard going at the weekend with just two out of 20 competitors getting a bite never mind a fish. Bread punch and caster worth a try.

Bardsley Canal: Day tickets on the bank.

Alexandra Park Lake Day: tickets on the bank. Bread punch and maggot to catch.

Hollingworth Lake: Plenty of depth on this reservoir. Usual groundbait feeder and red maggot for small roach and perch with the odd skimmer.


Diary Dates
Every Saturday: Open matches on local canals. Draw 9am. Fishing 10am to 3pm. To book and for further details, contact John on 07801 276059.

Every Thursday: Tameside Federation members-only matches on Stonepits. Draw 9.30am. Fishing 10.15am to 3.15pm. Pools are £5 on the day.

Sunday, March 10: Todmorden AS members-only match on Croft Fishery. To book and for further details, telephone Paul on (01706) 639373 or Rob on 07775 625088.

Friday, March 22: Saddleworth and District Angling Society annual meeting at Greenfield Conservative Club, Chew Valley Road (8pm) prompt.

To report any news or views on the local or national angling scene, contact Jan Verbruggen on 07846 456408 or email janangling@hotmail.co.uk.