SKIPTON Winter League competitors had to contend with what could be a foretaste of what is to come when they fished the third match of this season’s series on the Long Ing length of the canal at Barnoldswick last Sunday.

Overnight rain had lowered the temperature and a strong, blustery upstream wind made fishing difficult for those fishing a long way out.

Even so, the length lived up to expectations and some good weights were recorded including a roach of about 675g (1:8:0) and a couple of eels around the 450g (1:0:0) mark.

Danny Bolland was way out in front at the end of the three-hour match with 2,070g (4:9:0) which included the big roach. Kenny Wright was second with 1,320g (2:14:8) which also included one of the eels. Other notable weights were: 3 Andrew Thomas 1280g (2:13:0), 4 Tim Bolland 1020g (2:4:0) and 5 Russell Heaton 650g (1:7:0).

In the Pairs event, Danny Bolland and brother Tim led the field with 3,090g (6:13:0) whilst Kenny Wright and Rob Thornton were second with 1,860g (4:1:8).

Andy Wharton and Andrew Thomas took third spot with 1,540g (3:6:0) and the father and son team of Bob and Dave Fenn were fourth with 1,160g (2:9:0).Jason Aldis and Russell Heaton were fifth with 1,120g (2:7:8).

After three matches and with five remaining to be fished, the leading competitors are as follows: Individuals: 1 Dave Fenn 59pts, 2 Rob Thornton 55, 3 Danny Bolland and Kenny Wright 54, 5 Jason Aldis 52 and 6 Andrew Thomas 45. Pairs: 1 Wright and Thornton 28, 2 D & T Bolland and Aldis & Heaton 27, 4, B & D Fenn 24, 5 Graeme Waterfall & Simon Chenier 20.

The next match will be fished on October 30at Snaygill Boats, Skipton, with the length being pegged either side of the road bridge.

The gradual but slight fall in the air temperature has not affected sport so far on any water but frost has been forecast and there is the prospect of some heavy rain which should impact on river levels. Leaves are also beginning to fall so anglers will have to adjust to changing conditions for the next month or so.