APART from it being a bright sunny day, the weather last Sunday was ideal for the fourth match in this season’s Skipton Winter League.

The venue was the length of canal either side of the road bridge near the Bay Horse Inn at Snaygill.

The catch rate was 100per cent among the 19 competitors and almost all of the weights consisted of small roach or perch, some of which were very small.

Rob Thornton landed the largest fish of the day, a splendid perch weighing some 720g.

Dave Fenn maintained his great form to take top spot with 930g whilst Rob Thornton was second with 880g.

Other leading weights were: 3, Bill Davenport 840g, 4 Bob Fenn 730g, 5 Ernie Ramsbotham 570g, 6 Graeme Waterfall 540g.

In the Pairs competition, father and son Bob and Dave Fenn had an easy win with 1,660g.Second were Davenport and Brown with 1,060g.

Other weights were: 3 Thornton & Wright 1,040g, 4 Ramsbotham & Young 1000g, 5 Chenier & Waterfall 560g. 6 Aldis & Heaton 470g.

With the league now at the halfway stage with four matches remaining to be fished, the leading competitors are quite close to each other except for the leaders who have opened up a small gap.

Individuals. 1 Dave Fenn 8pts, 2 Graeme Waterfall 22, 3, Rob Thornton 26, 4 Jason Aldis 29, 5 Bob Fenn and Keith Brown 30 and 7, Bill Davenport 31. Pairs. 1, D & R Fenn 8 points; 2, Davenport & Brown 14, 3 Aldis & Heaton 15. 4 Thornton & Wright and Chenier & Waterfall 18. 6 Ramsbotham & Young 23.

The next match will be fished on the Hospital length of canal at Keighley Road, Skipton on November 12.

Unless the weather takes a turn for the worst temperature wise, competitors may record some good weights judging from recent sport on this length.

Prospects for this weekend may be much better on the Aire following a long overdue spell of drier weather which has brought the river down to near the normal level.

Besides the chance of grayling and chub, pike fishing should be more than possible on most stretches.