MALVERN United Angling Association members began their new year match calendar on a blustery River Avon at Birlingham, when they fished the latest winter league match.

Despite recent rains, the river was in good condition with a tinge of colour and a moderate flow.

Mike Spragg, drawn on peg 39, started the contest with a groundbait feeder approach fished mid-river, where he picked up a few small roach until bites dried up. A switch to the inside proved decisive as he immediately caught two nice perch followed by the match-winning fish, a good chub weighing 2-14-0. Mike's net tipped the scales at 4-9-0 which was good enough to take first place.

Second spot went to match secretary Ian Goddard, who drew peg 38 and also opted to fish the groundbait feeder. He took two chub and a few small roach for 1-10-0.

Neil Humpage took a similar net to Ian but lost two good chub on the feeder which cost him dear, he eventually brought 1-8-0 to the scales, which gave him third place

The next contest is a winter league at the pool at Mathon on Sunday, January 23. Draw 9am, fish 9.30-1.30pm.