THE freezing conditions have not stopped Malvern United AA members from competing in their contests.

A swollen bank-high River Severn saw the club's annual fur and feather contest switched to the Avon at Birlingham. The river was in an unforgiving mood and most competitors failed to register a single bite in the wintery conditions.

Top prize of a meat voucher went to Dave Green, who left it late by landing a cracking chub of over 4lbs in the last 15 minutes of the contest on ledger from peg 30.

Second placed angler Mike Spragg also only managed one chub but it was considerably smaller, tipping the scales at 15oz.

The next round of the winter league was also held on the Avon and catches had not improved.

Mike Spragg took this one with 13 ounces consisting of small skimmers on feeder tactics from peg 30.

Second place was a three way tie with Chris Loveridge, Ian Goddard and John Shaw all on 8 ounces.

The latest contest in the series was on stillwater at the pool at Mathon where members hoped for a change in fortunes.

But a heavy frost put paid to that and once again bites were at a premium. Chris Loveridge drew favoured island peg 23 which can usually be relied on to produce a carp or two in even the hardest conditions, and this occasion was no different. Chris employed waggler tactics to net 6-5-0 and take first place. Second spot went to Mike Spragg who opted to go for small fish on the pole and was rewarded with 1-8-0.

With two rounds remaining its still close at the top: 1 Chris Loveridge 21pts, 2 Mike Spragg 17pts, 3 Neil Humpage 10pts.