THERE was a good turnout for the last MUAA club contest of the river season held on the Avon at Birlingham, which was the final round of the winter league and the Baker Cup combined.

The winter league was all set for a tight finish with Mike Spragg leading with 17 points and only needing to catch a fish to secure the one point which would guarantee victory in the league.

Hoping that Mike would fail to do so were Chris Loveridge and Neil Humpage, who needed to finish second and first on the day respectively to take the title.

It turned out to be a real struggle for most of the field with the river carrying a few inches of snow water and running very clear, only the stretch's resident chub were likely to feed in these conditions and drawing a swim that held them was vital.

Unfortunately for them, Mike and Chris drew pegs 24 and 28 which are not noted chub areas and despite their best efforts were unable to muster a solitary fish.

Neil, drawn on peg 40, took full advantage of his good draw and fished a groundbait feeder in the middle to take three chub for a winning weight of 2-12-0, which gave him the league over Mike by a single point, capping off a very successful first season back to the sport for Neil.

With the other competitors failing to catch, the Baker Cup was not won this year.

The club holds its open on the Avon at Birlingham this Sunday, tickets should have already been purchased to fish at £10. They may still be available if you can contact Mick Perks on 01684 561777 before noon today (Friday).