THE pre-Christmas events started on December 17 with the Northfield Starlets Veterans holding their last match of 2002 at Woodlands View's Deans pool.

Topping the list was Brian Hill (Kidderminster) who pole fished corn over casters in the margins of peg 48 to take an all Carp catch for 26-8-0.

The runner up Ken Giles (Alvechurch) who had 13-8-0, third Reg Putnam (Quinton) 11-10-0.

On Thursday, December 19, the K.H. Veterans found the going tough at Moorlands Farm for their end of year contest which was held on the Bank pool.

Harold Willey (Kidderminster) took the only double figure catch of 15-1-0 by pole fishing red maggots and pinkies from peg 15, second placed Roy Dugmore (Northfield) had 8-0-0 with John Grazier (Stoke Prior) in third place with 2-11-0.

The Birmingham to Stratford Canal at Yardley Wood was the setting on Sunday, December 22, for the Yardley Wood Open.

Pedmore angler Dave Anderson (Harris M.G.) produced a brilliant Roach catch of 11-9-7 by pole fishing casters together with bloodworm and joker at peg 17,.

Runner up Phil Harrow (Colebrook A.C.) fished the same style for 5-6-0, third Keith Woodhead (Ovation Leisure) 4-2-0.

On Monday, December 23, the Woodlands View Fur and Feather open was held on Arles and Deans Pools.

Taking all the Christmas goodies was Stuart Gambalin (Woodlands) who fished a maggot feeder at Deans peg 59 for a 60-6-0 catch.

Second place went to Ian Devere (Woodlands) who was not far behind with 57-8-0. That was from Arles peg 34, while in third spot was Brian Hemmings (Woodlands) 50-0-0.