ANGLING: Freezing weather had a biting effect on Barnton & Frodsham AC’s Wednesday match on Heesom’s Pool as catches were few and far between.
Mark Emmison, on peg 45, needed just two roach and two perch to secure first place with 0-9-11. The only other angler to put fish in his net was Eddie Cooke on peg 48 who put 0-6-8 on the scales.
Conditions were much worse for Saturday’s match on the same venue. Dave Blears, on peg 43, headed the field thanks to 3-3-4 of skimmers and roach. Sharing second place were Chris Hargadon, peg 36, and Terry Middleton, peg 38, who both weighed-in with 0-15-0.
The fourth-round match of the Scott’s Shield series was due to be held on the top and middle cisterns on Sunday morning but both waters were frozen over with almost an inch of ice. The venue was changed to the River Weaver’s Dredger Length. Things still did not improve and the six intrepid anglers who fished the match were all unable to get a single bite between them.
Geoff battles back
FOOTBALL: Having been given the all clear from doctors before Christmas, former Witton Albion striker Geoff Horsfield has returned to football with a deal at Lincoln City.
Horsfield, 35, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in October last year and announced his retirement, but since undergoing surgery the former West Brom, Fulham and Sheffield United hitman has been training with the Imps.
Manager Peter Jackson has handed free agent Horsfield a deal until the end of the season.
Horsfield played for Witton under Ray Ranson in 1996 and scored six goals in 26 appearances.
Park’s friendly foes
HOCKEY: Despite being on a winter break from league action, Winnington Park’s senior squads have been keeping match fit.
On Saturday, Park 2nds lost 5-3 at Runcorn 1sts with Simon Pinson’s brace being complemented by a Tom Hughes strike.
The 3rds, meanwhile, enjoyed a share of the spoils at home to Runcorn 2nds. Mark Leigh’s double, both from penalties, completed the 2-2 verdict.
On Saturday, Park continue the friendly fixtures at South Cheshire, the seconds host Knutsford 2nds, the thirds host Sale 2nds while the fourths have a league clash at Neston South Wirral 6ths.
Oakmere’s net call
CRICKET: Oakmere begin the biggest year in their history with winter nets sessions planned to run from February to April.
The newly promoted County League side will be training at St Nicholas High School in Hartford, dates and times to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, Northwich’s junior section’s winter nets are now well under way at St Nicholas’ sports hall. Under nines train on Sundays 2-3pm, U11s 3-4pm and U14s on Mondays 7-8.30pm.
Students show class
COLLEGE SPORT: Sir John Deane’s rugby team ran riot recently with a 64-7 demolition job of Eccles College. Winnington Park youngster James Annells claimed man-of-the-match honours with two tries.
