MALVERN United Angling Association members had their annual outing by coach to Somerset on Sunday.

This year, they fished the Hunt-spill around Highbridge, with the added incentive of winning the John Perks Memorial Trophy.

The Huntspill is a man-made drain containing some very big bream and a lot of small roach and skimmers. Conditions looked good with a light breeze and plenty of cloud cover.

Mike Spragg chose a swim at the top end of the stretch and began on a groundbait feeder with red maggot on the hook.

Mike waited an hour for his first bite, which resulted in a skimmer of around a pound, this was quickly followed by two more similar sized fish then bites dried up. A switch to the pole line produced a steady stream of small roach, perch and skimmers throughout the remainder of the match.

Mike put 8-1-0 on the scales which was enough to win the day and the trophy.

Ian Goddard took second spot, by concentrating on the pole all day he took a nice mixed bag of roach perch and skimmers for 7-9-0

Third place was shared by Neil Humpage and Paul Cooper, who both netted small fish bags weighing 6-12-0 taken on pole tactics. As luck would have it, Neil and Paul had drawn each other in the pairs competition so they walked away with first prize in that, based on match positions.

After a hard day's fishing, the members stopped off at the Watersmeet in Hartpury for a well earned pint and a great meal once again.

Places available in club open

THE club is holding an open contest on its water on the Avon at Birlingham on Sunday, October 2, draw 9am, fish 10-3pm.

Tickets are £10 all in, with section prizes as well as the usual frame places.

There are still some places available. Please contact Mick Perks on 01684 561777 for a ticket.