SKIPTON Winter League competitors have been in action and the first two matches have produced some excellent weights compared with some of those experienced in last couple of years or so.

The opening match was on the gas works length of the canal at Silsden and the weights were boosted by the capture of some decent bream and one or two perch above average size.

Mark Bradley enjoyed a comfortable win with 2,430g, while Ernie Ramsbotham was second with 1,600g. Other leading weights were: 3 Rob Thornton 920g; 4 Jason Aldis 820g and 5 Bill Davenport 620g.

In the pairs event, Bradley and Davenport were top with 3,050g, while Ramsbotham and Mawson took second place with 1,690g.

Aldis and Heaton were third with 1,310g, Thornton and Chenier fourth with 1,280g and in fifth spot was Wright and Eason with 990g.

Last Sunday’s match was fished on the Broughton Road length of the canal in rather cool conditions with a strong wind blowing along the water making fishing difficult and chilly for the anglers.

Sport was not affected, however, and some really good weights were recorded consisting in the main of quality roach.

Kenny Wright was way out in front with 4,220g which consisted of a good pike weighing some 3,510g.

The pike apparently took a small perch that had just snatched a small worm fished on a size 20 hook.

With such light tackle it took Wright some 45 minutes to land the fish. Other weights were: 2 Davenport 1,500g; 3 Aldis 1420g; 4 Thornton 1,290g and 5, Russell Heaton 1,270g. Pairs: 1 Wright & Eason 6,010g; 2 Heaton & Aldis 2,690g; 3 Thornton & Chenier 1,790g; 4 Thomas & Wharton 1,540g and 5 Bradley & Davenport 1,500g.

The leading competitors after the two matches are: Individuals: 1 Aldis, Thornton and Davenport 7 points; 4 Wright 11; 5 Ramsbotham 13 and 6 Heaton & Wharton 14. Pairs: 1 Aldis & Heaton 5; 2 Bradley & Davenport and Wright & Eason 6; 4 Thornton & Chenier 7; 5 Ramsbotham & Mawson 9 and 6 Thomas & Wharton 10.

The next match will be fished on the Long Ing length of the canal at Barnoldswick on Sunday, October 15.