Angling: Hughes leads way in winter league outing

PROSPECTS didn't look good for the second round of the Erewash Valley Winter League following the first frost of the season.

But, apart from one short section on the canal at Dockholme, that was plagued by a cormorant, returns were consistently good throughout the match length.

The fixture was dominated by Derby-based Starlets Anglers, with Cameron Hughes – the former Pride of Derby Junior – winning the match with 10lb 5oz from the peg immediately below Derby Road bridge.

He used mainly bloodworm and a little caster to catch roach.

Team-mate Kian Wardle, fishing at the opposite side of the match-length immediately below Sandiacre lock, was second with 9lb 4oz 8drms.

Steve Toone (Mill Tackle Blue) finished third with a net of mainly perch weighing 9lb 2oz 8drms.

The team result saw Starlets take the honours with 24 points, followed by Mill Tackle with 29 points.

Starlets lead the early table with a perfect two points, followed by Mill Tackle (five points).

There was another good turn-out for the Saturday Open match at Rycroft Fisheries, Hemington.

A total of 19 anglers took part in the match on the Moat Lake, with Luke Bamford taking top weight.

He caught 48lb 2oz using bread and pellet on the pole.

Runner-up was Lee Smith, whose 40lb 6oz net earned him second place.

Mick Potter (34lb 10oz) was third ahead of Richard Wood's 26lb 14oz.

This week's Saturday open will take place on the Clover Lake, while the fishery will host the third round of the Winter League from 9am on Sunday.

ERIC Wright drew first blood as the Bridge Inn AC held their opening winter league match of the season on the Kingfisher Lake at Birchwood Lakes.

Wright beat 10 other competitors with his winning net of 15lb 6oz.

Bob Barker was second with 7lb 2oz, ahead of Graham Hawkins' 6lb 1oz.

The next match is at Hemington on November 21.