IT makes me proud to congratulate our national squad for their fantastic silver medal in the National Federation of Anglers Division One National Championships on Saturday.

The contest was held on the Erewas Canal at Long Eaton, which obviously suited us, but aside from that the squad put in countless hours of practice on the venue and justifiably all their efforts have been rewarded.

Our ongoing practice of bringing anglers through the ranks of our minnow, junior and intermediate sections was vindicated by young section medal winners Andrew Lewis and Ian Morrison, who were also fifth and ninth in the overall individual results.

Scott Roberts had a good session on our association-owned stretch of the River Ribble at Hurst Green on Sunday when he had 11 barbel of around 2lbs apiece, which is a good sign that future stocks are in good shape, and plenty of chub.

The angler on the next peg reported fish of 7lbs and 12lbs taken in the evening.

Anglers are using the new section of the Mersey opposite Kingsway allotments where Paul Harding has put in a lot of hard work, clearing and making the pegs.

Members are having decent catches of roach there and a bream of 5lbs was caught in the match series on Thursday.

Almost 40 youngsters took part in our annual NatWest Trophy match on Ackers Pit on Saturday.

Mike Chung put in an impressive performance with a winning net of nearly 12lbs of plump roach to take the junior trophy, with seven-year-old Jessica Impey taking the under 10s and bailiffs trophies. Every angler received a prize and enjoyed the free buffet.

Members should note that there has been a small problem at one of our license depots. If you have recently received a subscription reminder notice and it transpires that you have already paid, contact me immediately. Do not just tell the tackle shop because we need certain information for our records, which we can only obtain from speaking to you.

Let me have your catch reports on 01928 716238, fax 01928 713898 or email frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk. Our Parker Street headquarters will be open tomorrow, Friday, between 7pm and 9.30pm.

Results: National Fund Series (Preston Brook): 1, Stu Hardman 6-4-0; 2, Stu Conroy 5-12-0; 3, Ian Morrison 5-4-0; 4, George Hollis 4-12-0.

Junior Match Series: 1, Mike Chung 3-3-0; 2, Tom Griffin 1-12-8; 3, Jack Impey 1-3-12. Minnows: 1, Jack Swindells 1-12-5; 2, Phil Stockton 1-4-10; 3, Adam Dukes 1-2-8; 4, Josh Racey 1-1-5. Intermediates: 1, Danny Griffiths 2-6-9; 2, Andrew Lewis 1-7-0; 3, Richard Chung 1-1-5.

Mersey Series (Thursday): 1, Bob Clough 6-8-0; 2, Arthur Higham 5-11-0; 3, Jeff Shaw 4-11-8. (Sunday): 1, Tony Green 11-12-8; 2, Jeff Shaw 8-8-0; 3, Roy Everson 7-5-8; 4, Paul Healey 7-1-8.

NatWest Trophy (Ackers Pit): 1, Mike Chung 11-4-0; 2, Jack Fowles 8-6-0; 3, Jack Coker 5-8-11; 4, Aiden Robinson 4-4-12. Seven-year-old Jessica Impey won the under 10s and bailiffs trophy (youngest angler).

Disabled and Over 60s: 1, Eddie Cook 5-10-0; 2, Brian Pilkington 4-4-0; 3, Bill Pickles 3-5-0; 4, Ron Durr 2-14-8.

Forthcoming events: Tonight, Thursday: Minnows, Juniors, Intermediate Series, all draws at 6pm on bank opposite Euclid Avenue (588-540); Mersey Series, draw 5.30pm at Weir Lane. Sunday: Mersey Series, draw 9am at Weir Lane. Monday: Disabled and Over 60s, draw 10am at Star Inn (615-655). Tuesday: Honorary and Pensioners, draw 11am at Preston Brook (pegs 1-40).