Hodnet A/C hosted the first Angling Trust & Canal & River Trust Canal Pairs qualifier of twelve national heats which sees 5 pairs from each match competing in a final later in the year.

This match held on Saturday 2nd July 2016 was sold out with 50 pairs, 100 anglers lining the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal.

Leading the individual stakes was local Newport remedial specialist Michael Nutt with an excellent weight from one peg from the Oak Tree with a catch of mainly bream for 22-15-0.  Second place was Wayne Kearney from a peg in Hinstock Wood 13-14-0, third place was Alan Crook 12-14-8 Goldstone Boats. In fourth place was Dave Mawby 12-3-0, and in fifth place was Dave Edgerley 11-1-0.  There were 12 sections with the lowest section winning weight 7-1-0.

Leading pairs were Alan Crooke/Dave Bradley 96 points, Wayne Kearney/Daz Shaw 93 points, Paul Turner/Neil Turner 88 points, Ben Sharratt/Jason Cunningham 86 points and Dave Edgerley/Kevin Clarke 84 points.

John Ellis, National Fisheries Manager, Canal & River Trust stated “It was a well run match and fished really well with every mini section winning with at least 7 lbs. The next qualifier moves to the Rochdale Canal on Sunday 17th July with places still available through the Angling Trust on 0115 9061 301/323.”

The Angling Trust would like to thank Terry Nutt for the organisation of this qualifier, and Terry and the Angling Trust would also like to thank all his fellow organisers and helpers on the day and John Ellis, National Fisheries Manager, Canal & River Trust for his presence on the day.

Hodnet Angling Club have been entrusted with the Welsh Qualifying leg on the Llangollen Canal at Whixall on Saturday 8th October and tickets are available through the Angling Trust.