WITH just seconds to go in last Wednesday's Open on Doffcocker Reservoir, Paul Swift had given up the match as lost, having caught just a few bits.

But in the nick of time, his tip slammed round and moments later the Bolton Angling Centre angler had safely landed a 3lb-plus bream.

This, added to the bits, gave him the match with 3-14.

Second-placed Bob Walker of Winsford Angling Association must have been disappointed as he had caught skimmers steadily throughout the match for 3-11. Third was John Crook (Doe Hey Anglers) who caught skimmers on the quivertip for 3-8.

Sections Darren Hanley (Bolton Angling Centre) 3-1-0, Terry Carter (Tonge AC) 2-15-6. OVER Hulton AC matches JUNIOR/Senior Pairs Match - Lock Lane Pond 1. Paul Morris (Jnr) and Ernie Trevett, 2. Rob Pope (Jnr) and Steve Trevett.

River Weaver Meadow 1. Tony Sharples 4-7 Roach/Pole, 2. Ray Davies 2-9 Roach/Pole, 3. Bob Boardman 2-4 Roach/Pole.

Sections: Eddie Speakman, Dave Bergum, Brian Hughes/Ken Rowlands.

Oakly Cup Garsty Hall 1. Tony Sharples 11-9 mixed net/pole, 2. Eddie Speakman 10-6 carp/pole, 3. Bob Boardman 8-15 carp/pole.

Sections: Dave Burnes, Peter Lawton, John Blears.

Shaun Hurst Shield Brookside Fisheries 1. Bob Boardman 13-7 carp/pole, 2. Mark Leonard 6-12 carp/pole, Joint 3. Ken Rowlands 6-7 carp/pole; Tony Sharples 6-7 carp/pole.

Sections: Ernie Trevett, John Blears, Brian Hayes.

Biggest carp: John Goulding 4-9. Last match Brookside Fisheries on October 20. CHURCH Ward Angling Club fished the first aggregate match of their new season on Sunday on the Trent and Mersey Canal at Acton Bridge.

Considering the exceptional heavy boat traffic due to a local Steam Engine Rally the 17 members did well to average 2lb a man.

Top rod on the day was Ray Windsor 3lb 13oz 6dr fishing the pole, catching silver fish consistently throughout the match.

Just a good fish behind was Alan Gregory 3-9-12 of a similar net taken on maggot with Steven Grundy 2-15-9 working hard for third and Alan Birchall 2-10-5 a creditable fourth. AS presentation time approaches for many clubs, why not send me a list of the trophy winners and a profile of the club champion for publication?

The profile should indicate matches won, favourite methods and waters, nicknames etc. Send to G Kateley, 84 Ringley Road, Stoneclough, Radcliffe M26 1ET or telephone 01204 709749.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.