Following a cool night and with the water very clear the river Arrow around Alcester proved a difficult proposition for most of the forty-two anglers taking part in this years match. However some reasonable catches were made, and, in a close finish, top weight by just a few ounces went to Mike Davis (Bordon Angling Centre).

Mike managed to winkle out five decent chub to 2lb and some nice perch from his peg on the Throckmorton water for a 12lb 13oz catch with caster and chopped worm fished on the pole proving to be the winning method.

Runner-up Sean Street (Smithy’s) was close behind, Sean caught three good bream plus a few bits but lost a good barbel at his peg on the Studley AS water at Wixford which left him just 6oz short of the winner’s total. In third place Chris Coleman (Broom AC) had a barbel of 9lb and some dace for an 11lb 12oz catch from a peg on his home water.

Another Broom angler Mick Paddock took fourth spot with 11lb 5oz of chub and perch, with Paul Caswell (Shakespeare) in fifth spot with a catch of 9lb.. Section awards went to Dave Hemming with 6lb 6oz, Rob Street (1lb 5oz), Phill O’Donnell (3lb 2oz) and Paul Caswell.