ANGLING: THE Winsford Winter League on the River Weaver was again dominated by the Marina pegs and those who occupied them, writes JOHN STUBBS.

This time 198 proved the luckiest draw and it was pulled by Steve Mottershead (Edgeley Sports), but he still only had ounces to spare on second-placed Ray Thompson - 21-14-0 to the Macc Tiles rod's 21-5-0.

Darren Mullhare (Last Cast Blues) 19-9-0, Bob Evans (Barlows) 19-0-0 and Eric Taylor (LC Red) 17-7-0 completed the frame.

Mottershead was also the main contributor to Edgeley's winning aggregate of 41-4-0, though his team were beaten into second place when the points were tallied. Winners were Last Cast Blue 74, from Edgeley 62, Barlows 59 and Grange 56.

The league so far: LC Red 303, LC Blue 296, Edgeley 293, Barlows 273,

LC Gold 270, Grange 255. Downstream, the Northwich Open was won from peg one by Mike Flannigan (Rod & Reel). He took skimmers and roach and a bonus 1lb perch to finish with 12-11-0 and squeeze home against Graham Stokes (Lymm) 12-6-0, Lee Sabill (R&R) 11-10-0, Derek Bennett (Saints) and Frank Cook (unattached), both 11-9-0.

Winsford's Open was won by Ernie Ayers (Vale Royal AC), who was pegged on 204 and caught 23-15-0. Swinton-based Dave Holland had an all-roach 19-9-0 for runners-up spot and the weights remained competitive throughout. Giving chase were Kevin Brookes (Gaswise) 19-6-0, Geoff Stannier (Dave's of Middlewich) 15-13-0, Ian Shaw (Protack Barlows) 14-14-0, Jimmy Young (Dave's) 14-14-0, Eric Taylor 14-7-0 and Derek Nancollis 14-4-0.

Barnton & Frodsham members did battle in the Brown Cup second round on the Trent & Mersey Canal at Barnton, and Alan Forster was kept busy by roach, gudgeon and perch, 50 or so altogether, even if his strength was not tested.

He weighed in 1-5-12 to beat Barry Owen 1-14-8, Mike Appleton 1-5-6 and joint fourth Alan Birchall and Danny Griffiths 1-4-5.

Barnton & Frodsham's annual meeting takes place on Tuesday at Barnton BL (7.30pm).

Other results: Winsford Veterans - Eric Gillett 12-8-0, Ted Isherwood 11-15-0, Brian Bill 11-14-0, Alec Clarke 10-8-0, Len Clarke 9-0-0, Doug Maddock 5-12-0; D Anglers Fur & Feather - Stan Aston 7-12-0, Brent Pierpoint 6-6-0, Eric Moore 6-2-0. D Anglers' annual meeting is at the Oddfellows on Thursday week (8pm); Meadow Bank - Mike Smith 11-1-0, Johnny Lewis 8-4-0, Kenny Potts 6-8-8, Barry Stevens 6-7-8, Bill 6-5-8; Farmer's Arms (Bottom Flash) - Terry Kettle 25-11-0, Pierpoint 23-15-0, Taylor 13-0-0.

Weaver Matches Winsford: Today and next Wednesday, Open, draw Marina 9.30am; Thursday - Meadow Bank 1-20; Saturday - Meadow Bank 1-30; Prince's Feathers, Red Lion; Club Marina, all pegs; Sunday - Rainford, MB1-15; Chester PO, Meadow Island; Rake & Pikel, Marina; Wharton Cons, Rilshaw Lane; Ermine, Red Lion; River Blues, Aerosol; Kirklass Hall, National; Tuesday - Winsford Vets, Red Lion & Marina. Northwich: Saturday - Open 1-70; Sunday - Mid Cheshire WL, 350-450 & Hunts Lock; RBL, Red Lion.

Dane: Sunday - Freemasons, Town Centre.