ARRIVING early at a Shore Top match the other week, the buzz around the draw bag was that generally peg number one was alive with carp and anyone fishing there would have to be a complete novice not to win it.

Guess what peg yours truly drew? Yes, numero uno. They were all there, the gurus of the water offering comments like I was in for a beanfeast and my arm would be sore by the end of the match. Even Marvellous Marvin Hyde, starring in a guesting role, seemed to think 'it was all over' after my perfect draw.

I thought I knew what to do thanks to some generous advice and at the all-in swung an ample ball of paste to my right and fed with small worms then waited - and waited - and waited.

The others were catching silver fish from the off and after three hours I was dry netting and some 10lbs behind the leader.

Never mind, one decent carp will overtake the lot of them. However, nobody told the fish and by the end of the match all I had was a 1lb mirror, not even worth weighing in.

Not to be outdone and not wanting to be home early enough to finish off painting the front door, I decided to stop on and see if I could attract a monster.

All was quiet. Then a voice from the rear said in almost biblical tones: "Put the biggest damn worm on you have and cast a bit further towards the dam wall and do you want to change your car?"

"OK I will but I'll stick by my Escort for the moment thank you," I said as I turned and acknowledged 'Marvellous'.

Then taking me by surprise, the Appollo Motors owner grabbed hold of my arm and proceeded to give me a Chinese burn saying: "That's how the big 'uns gets hold of them worms you know and they dont let go".

Rubbing my arm which, as prophesised, was now sore at the end of the match. I was grateful for the advice though and as Marvellous left the water, I rifled my bait box for the biggest damn worm I had.

A veritable snake of a worm was found and I then cast it towards the dam wall and waited - and waited.

Thoughts turned to the benefits of painting the front door, when all of a sudden my rod flew off the rest in the general direction of Farnworth.

I managed to catch hold of the River Severn feeder rod which by now was doubled with my reel clutch screaming and giving the fish all the line it needed.

After ten minutes and four or five powerful charges later, the carp yielded and I was relieved when the fish slid over the landing net.

I estimated it to be at least 15lbs and allthough not a specimen, it was the biggest freshwater fish I had ever caught and this within half a mile of where I live - ironic after travelling to all parts of the country in pursuit of the better fish.

And so with sore arm I set off home, happy and full of respect for the Marvin they call Marvellous.

BOLTON Bailiffs A.C have now finished the teach-ins aimed at benefitting adults with learning difficulties for this year and they deserve the highest of accolades for their efforts.

They are also keen to thank Martin of Bolton Angling Centre for his generosity.

ALL contributions to the angling column are welcome ring Glynn on 01204 439623 or e-mail glynn@gkateley.freeserve.co.uk BOLTON MATCH SCENE

Patricroft ROF AC aggregate match - Kings Pool Wolverhampton: The ROF lads were all on fliers as a lot of carp and silver fish were caught on a bright and breezy day. 1st. Wayne Rigby 56-4-0., 2nd. Dennis Hardman 36-10-0., 3rd. Andy Gerrard 35-14-0., 4th. Peter Lee 32-8-0., 5th. Peter Leigh 32-12-0., 6th. Dave Brown 21-12-0.

Lord Nelson AC aggregate match - Pilsworth Fishery, 10/09/00: An absolute grueller of a match on a very muggy day with hardly a ripple. Trevor Bevin showed why he is running away with the league when he fed small worm amongst the fry therefore picking up predatory perch. 1st. Trevor Bevin 2-15-0., 2nd. Dave Hughes 1-12-0., 3rd. Cliff Smith senior 1-4-4., 4th. Andy McKenzie 1-2-8.

Member & guest match - Doe Hey Reservoir September 10: THE UNUSUAL hot temperatures caused blue algae to form in the water and this coupled with falling leaves, caused a nuisance to the 18 who contested the match. The winner though still had a good bag of roach and skimmers taken high up in the water. Another member and guest match takes place on October 1 with a 9.30am draw. Fish 10.30am to 3.30pm). To book on ring Bob Fearnhead on 0793 054 0639. 1st Bob Fernhead (Worsley Angling Centre) 18-0-0; 2nd Paul Johnston (Doe Hey) 12-15-0; 3rd Dave Johnston (Doe Hey) 9-8-0; Section winners (A) Andy Gerrard (Doe Hey) 7-10-0; B Neville Gregory (Unattached) 3-13-0.

Chorley & District Sea Angling Club Venue - Beaumaris: September 2, Time Fished 18.00 to 22.00. No of Anglers -- 18.

Results: 1st Daryl Fairhurst 8lb; 2nd Steve Dawson 5lb 14oz; 3rd Mick Salmon 4lb 10oz; Heaviest Fish: 1lb 12oz Cod caught by Alan Smith.

The match boundaries were set between Penmon and the Brittania Bridge.

The weather was warm with a light Northerley breeze. Fish were caught from the start. Main bait was peeler crab and ragworm. Species caught included Cod, Pollock, Coalfish, Dogfish, Dabs and Gurnard.

On Sunday evening a pleasure trip was arranged for Tycros. Fish caught included Thornback rays, Small eyed rays, Dogfish, Whiting, Gurnard, Ballen wrass and Cuckoo wrass.

Next match is on October 28 at Perch Rock, New Brighton. Fishing from 17.00 to 21.00.

Anyone interested in joining the club contact Duncan Griffiths on 01772 814677. e.mail -- Duncan@Griffiths2k.fsnet.co.uk