THE latest round of the Malvern United Angling Association's Winter League was fished on the club's stretch of the Avon at Birlingham.

Conditions were good with the river carrying a few extra inches of water, but bites would be hard to come by.

Mike Spragg recorded his second win of the series on the venue. Drawn once again on peg 39, Mike caught only three small gudgeon and lost a good bream in the early part of the match using groundbait feeder tactics mid-river.

A switch to the inside line and a block end feeder filled with bronze maggots once again proved effective as he took three nice chub, the biggest around 3lbs, to give him victory with 6-5-0.

The rest of the field really struggled and Chris Loveridge needed only 10 ounces to secure second place with a net of small roach.

Match secretary Ian Goddard took third place with just four ounces.

With just two matches left in the league, it's tight at the top with several anglers still in contention. The penultimate contest is on the pool on February 20, draw 9am.

Fixture news

THE Baker Cup contest will now be incorporated into the last winter league contest on March 6.

The club is holding an open contest on the Avon at Birlingham on the last weekend of the season, March 13. Draw 9am, fish 10am-3pm.

Tickets are now available, cost £10 all in. As well as the usual frame places, there will be section prizes too. Tickets must be bought in advance by contacting Mick Perks on 01684 561777.

Club shirts

SWEATSHIRTS with the club crest on are now available to members, at a cost of £15 each.

The shirts are navy blue with the club badge in gold. Call Mick Perks to buy one while stocks last.