Weekend of consistent river catches could mean good winter match sport ahead

River matchmen could be in for a good winter if this weekend’s results are anything to go by – with blanks a refreshing rarity, writes TREVOR JOHNSON.

Olney’s 40 peg Royal British Legion charity open on the club’s Upper Ouse saw several double-figure nets, headed by Neale Shearn’s cracking 31-13… a haul consisting of six ‘lump’ chub and 14lb of quality roach from Olney Mill.

Second spot went to Mark Haycock on 23-3 from the Harrold length, with Shayne Johnstone, pegged on The Mill, third with 11-13.

Wellingborough’s Jack Robinson trophy do, Saturday on the Ringstead Main Nene, saw somewhat lower weights… but, again, everyone caught despite clear water and an overnight temperature dop.

Ade Stokes came out on top with 11-5 of roach and skimmers from a mid-section peg while Paul Caton had 10-1 – mostly roach – at one end of the length as Paul Dochin made third with 9-12 from the other end.

The match produced five 9lb+ weights, which was good for a day when the chub and larger bream didn’t show.

DATS found their Ouse, the ‘Main’ at Stony Stratford, in decent mood with perch on worm catches the order of the day. Colin Meakins won with 11-2, well clear of Nigel Steel’s 7-2, as Rus and Austin Maddock tied for third with 2-12.

Mill Cotton silverfish league third round competitors found the lake decidedly heavy going, Sunday, as Trevor Burret the honours with 5-3 – mostly perch from an end peg.

Mark Franklin – on the other end peg – was just one ounce adrift with 5-2 again with perch making up most of his catch his weight. Third went Ade Stokes with 4-14.

Andy Morris won his section with 3-10…which leaves him currently top of the table, but with Mark Franklin and Trevor Burret following closely, it's all there to play for in the remaining 3 matches.

Splinters stuck with the stillwaters with Sunday’s outing on Peatling’s Plough & Harrow ending up with Gary Muddiman weighing 169-12, well clear of Trev Griffiths on 138-4, as Mark Forbes took 3rd with 93-1.

Midweek had seen them on Peatling D where Pete Scott won with 144-12. Trev Griffiths made 2nd, again, this time with 112-8 with Dave Robinson 3rd on 111-6.

Osprey hit Decoy’s Willows lake, a trip ending in a win for Andy Knell with 79lb as Jason binder came close with 75lb and Andy Bazeley took 3rd spot with 68lb.

Flore & Brockhall’s Dog Lane silvers do saw Gill Corns top dog with 21-1 of roach and skimmers, while Jim Tanser managed second spot with 17-2. Mick Holmes followed with 13-1.

Castle Ashby’s midweek Grendon Open saw Mick Wadham win with 2 carp for 19lb. followed by Terry Soper on 9-14 and Ray Radon 6-12.

Sunday’s match fell to Maver MK’s junior recruit to their senior team, Ethan Campbell with 4-9. Ashley Kinsey had 3-6 and Pete Patton 3-1.

Northampton Nene held their club sweep on ‘Ashby’s Scotland pond where Dave Rose won with 8-14 of skimmers and roach – well clear of Les Goodridge on 6-6.

Kev Elliot and Dan Diment tied on 5-4.