THE Bridgewater Canal showed it can produce the goods during the Saturday Open match when winner Jonathan Jowett put 29lbs 4ozs 0drms on the scales.

His net consisted of four carp but the second spot was made up of 15-15-0 of skimmers and roach with similar back up weights.

Steve Conroy had four perch on caster for 5-8-0 included in his mixed net of 10-6-0. Winning section weights averaged above 6lbs.

This week the section from M6 at Preston Brook to just beyond Red Brow under-bridge is closed for essential bridge repairs. A 30metre length at the bridge is being de-watered but there is no risk to fish.

Saracens Head AC were quite happy when they changed their match venue in desperation after a match on the Trent and Mersey Canal when virtually all anglers blanked.

They fished the Macclesfield Canal in freezing conditions and everyone caught with Ron Gaskell's winning weight of 3-3-12 made up of roach and gudgeon. They liked it so much they are making the trip again this weekend.

Member Pete Taylor pleasure fished the venue on Sunday and bagged up with roach, perch and gudgeon while fishing down the track on pole and pinkie.

With many lakes and pools iced over, prospects look bleak but as an alternative the River Mersey, although unfishable all this past week, should be in form this weekend. Favourite method is the quiver tip with a small groundbait feeder and caster at the business end. Target species roach, dace and small chub.

HQ Parker Street is open as usual tonight, Friday, for new members, subscriptions, or simply call in for a chat about fishing. I can be contacted with your queries and catch reports on 01928 716238, fax 713898.

Frank Lythgoe

Results:

Women's match: 1, Pam Wyatt 3-5-11; 2, Helen Thompson 2-3-8; 3, Janet Holland 2-0-9; 4, Marian Wharmby 1-15-4.

Saturday Open: 1, Jonathan Jowett 29-4-0; 2, Paul Keeley 15-15-0; 3, Ray Rigby 11-10-0; 4, Ste Conroy 10-6-0; 5, Derek Willen; Ken Entwistle 8-6-0.

Winter League: 1, Lee Clarke 6-4-1; 2, Trevor Platt 3-7-0; 3, Craig Lowndes 2-13-0; 4, Vin Walsh 2-9-0. Teams on day: 1, Comtech Black 32points; 2, Warrington AA 27; 3, Altrincham AA, Saracens Head 26.

Overall Individuals: 1, Colin Fairhurst 70points; 2, Pete Cummings 68; 3, Ray Taylor 67. Overall Teams: 1, Comtech Gold 257 points; 2, Warrington AA 237; 3, Saracens Head 235; 4, Altrincham AA 203.

Coming events: Saturday: National Fund open, draw 11am, Star Inn (pegs 860-1000); Women's Winter Series, draw 11.30am, on bank (pegs 570-585). Monday, Disabled and Over 60s, draw 10.30am, Grappenhall Sports. Wednesday, National Fund match, draw 11am, Star Inn (pegs 622-700).

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.