ANGLING: THE same pike won one match and earned second place for another angler in a separate event this week, writes JOHN STUBBS.

It first appeared at the Winsford Veterans' match on the Marina and Red Lion stretches at Winsford. I helped Ray Hamlett land it and it weighed in at 10lb 14oz and, with his nice catch of roach, brought him victory from peg 199.

Four days later, the same fish - recognised by its distinctive markings - popped up again, this time in the Winsford Open. Brian Hawkins was the angler and, though the fish was a few ounces lighter by now - probably because it had been feeding on maggots rather than other fish - it hoisted him into second spot. He was on peg 195.

Winner was Vale Royal AC's Andy Hamlet - now that would have been a coincidence had he caught the pike - off 196 and he had some quality roach in his net of 18-2-0. Hawkins (Meadow Bank) had 16-3-0 in total, Wallace Taylor (Dave's of Middlewich) 15-14-0, Ian Shaw (Protack Barlows) 11-6-0, Jimmy Young (Dave's) 10-10-0, Ian Buckley (Dave's) 10-6-0 and Kenny Potts 9-12-0.

In the veterans' match, Ray Hamlett beat Derek Nancollis 14-0-0 and Colin Abbott 9-5-0 and section winners were Doug Maddock 4-3-0 and Ted Isherwood 1-8-0.

The Winsford Open on Wednesday was won off 195 by Colin Windrass (Rod & Reel) 13-7-0 from Alan Birchall (Barnton) 11-11-0, Colin Abbott 10-13-0, Pete Sheckleston (Dave's) 9-9-0, Steve Riley (VR) and Ian Shaw (Barlows) both 9-8-0.

Section winner Ernie Ayers retrieved a Top Three Shimano pole with rig attached at the end of the match. If you wish to claim it, contact Ernie or myself on bank or through the Chronicle (01606 42272).

Hunts Lock dominated the Northwich Open and pegged thereabouts were Ben Roberts (Simono Wales) 8-4-0, team-mate Jim Price 7-15-0 and Reg Berrisford (Protack Barlows). Chris Morris 4-11-0 and Reg Evans 4-1-0 were section winners.

Trevor Jones took the opposition apart after drawing peg 12 on the top cistern for the Barnton-Frodsham AC Brown Cup match on Sunday. He presented caster on pole and tempted out two bonus fish of a perch and skimmer of 1lb each.

Result: Jones 4-5-0, Alan Forster 1-15-13, Paul Cafferty 1-6-6.

Meadow Bank, Saturday: Alex Walton 1-14-0, Mike Smith 0-11-0, John Mercandelli 0-10-0, Keith Smith 0-6-0 and Tim Wright 0-5-0 all amid cold and rain.

Weaver Matches

Winsford: Saturday - Meadow Bank 1-30; Rake & Pikel, Aerosol; Ermine, Marina; Wirral, Red Lion; Sunday - Winsford Winter League, all river; Tuesday - Veterans, Red Lion & Marina. Northwich Open, Saturday, pegs 1-70.