THE Sunday Open Sweepstake was fished on the Upper pound Section of the Sankey Canal at Newton , with 13 anglers taking part.

The forecast of -5 degrees of frost through the early hours of Sunday morning didn't happen, and a fairly mild morning was the order of the day instead, which helped with the standard of fishing.

First Place went to Newton AA Match secretary Mark Van Den Hoek, alternating between long and short pole from 3 to 14 metres.

He caught roach, rudd and perch for 7lbs-1ozs-0drms steadily throughout the match.

Second place went to Bolton tackle dealer Ray Shorrocks again with roach perch and ide on long pole for 3-4-9,

Third place went to Ian Lathom from Tricast Rochdale - all silver fish on long pole and caster for 2-12-14.

Fourth was Jimmy Baines, Newton AA, with small silver fish on long pole for 2-6-11.

Next Open Match is this coming Sunday 10am. Draw Muckies Car Park off Bradlegh Rd, details contact Mark on 01925 226167, or 01925 223685.

The disabled and over 60s sweepstake Thursday was fished by fifteen anglers on the Vulcan Reservoir.

First place went to Leigh match ace Kenny Graham on peg 17, fishing at 8 metres on pole he had an all roach catch for 4-0-0.

Second place was a dead heat, Dennis Greenalgh, on peg 7, and Eddie Cooke on peg 8 both had roach, small carp and skimmers for 3-10-0.

Fourth place went to Gordon Shorrocks, who had all roach on long pole for 2-8-0.

Fishery News:

The Sankey Canal, Upper Pound, has been fishing well in the lower peg numbers.

Roach, rudd, Ide and perch being caught, some nice skimmers and larger bream have also been caught.