by John W Preston

CONDITIONS were quite reasonable for the third Skipton Winter League match last Sunday when the competitors lined up on the Long Ing length of the canal at Barnoldswick.

Following a wet couple of days, rain fell for most of the match in a light upstream wind and the temperature gradually fell.

It looked like all the rain had had an effect on the fish and catches were somewhat lower than those normally experienced on this usually productive length of fishing.

Jason Aldis continued his fine form with another top three finish after weighing in some 1130g of decent roach.

Rob Thornton was second with 700g whilst Russell Heaton had 560g for third place.

Other leading weights were: 4 Wayne Eason 200g, 5 Simon Chenier 170g and 6 Bill Davenport 160g.

In the Pairs event Aldis and Heaton had an easy win over Thornton and Chenier by 1690g to 870g.

Wright and Eason were third with 280g, Davenport and Bradley fourth with 160g and Ramsbotham and Mawson fifth with 110g.

After three matches and with a further five remaining to be fished, the leading competitors are as follows: Individuals - 1 Jason Aldis 8 points, 2 Rob Thornton 9, 3 Bill Davenport 14, 4 Russell Heaton 17, 5 Kenny Wright and Wayne Eason 20; Pairs - 1 Aldis and Heaton 7, 2 Thornton and Chenier 8, 3 Wright and Eason 9, 4 Davenport and Bradley 11, 5 Wharton and Thomas 13 and 6 Ramsbotham and Mawson 15.

The next match will be the Skipton Angling Association’s open match on Whinnygill Reservoir this Sunday.

The draw will be held at 8am with fishing from 9am until noon. The entry fee will be £7 all-in.

The next winter league match will be fished on Sunday, October 28, and the venue will be the boat yard at the Bay Horse Inn, Keighley Road, Skipton.