However, in much kinder conditions on Sunday, the Island Lodge, topped up with the rains from the previous day, fished well for the Christmas Cup.

Dave Jowitt Snr, fishing peg 11 on the roadside, had a splendid net of small fish backed up with two quality perch to take top weight 6-10-12.

Chris Hogan, at peg 10, also bagged a quality net 3-14-12.

Fishing the stream side, Steve Kenyon, at peg 24, took third place with a mixed net of 3-1-4.

On Saturday in the Octopus Blackburn Open, 35 anglers fished on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal at Church, with roach filling the bulk of catches in a close finish.

Top weight went to Andy Heys (Octopus Blackburn) with 2-14-0. In second place was Darren Shaw (Drennan NW) with 2-11-7 and third was Jonathan Leeds (Octopus Blackburn) with 2-11-5.

On Sunday 99 anglers took part in the Lancashire Division of the Angling Times' team championship, held on the Bridgewater Canal at Stretford.

Stu Conroy (Drennan NW) took the individual honours with 8-3-8.

Second was Carl Lowe (Sensas NW) 8-0-8, with a tie for third between J Moulton (Drennan NW) and C Ellis (Tri Cast) 6-4-8.

Winners on the day were Saints, with eight points; Drennan NW was second with 10 points; and third was Sensas NW and Tri Cast Highfield, both with 13 points.

On Sunday the final round of the Pennine Winter League took place on the Horbury Canal, fished by 84 anglers.

Top weight fell to Paul McCabe (Headingley) with 8-4-8, with chub to 3lb.

Second was Paul Smith (Tri Cast Rochdale Black) with 7-5-0, comprising four perch and small chub.

In third spot was John Metcalf (Tek Nik Trabucco Halifax) with 6-2-0.

Tri Cast Rochdale Black took first place with 534 points, with Profish UK Black in second place with 457 points.

BURY AND DISTRICT

SEA ANGLERS

THE December monthly meeting takes place at the Waterloo Hotel, Manchester Road, on Monday 8 December at 8pm.

BLACKPOOL COD

CHAMPIONSHIP

THIS competition takes place tomorrow, Saturday 6 December, between 7pm-11pm, two hooks only. Tickets are £10 (200 entry).

Registration and draw from 4pm at Fylde Boat Club, Cleveleys. Contact Jim Cross 07949 288170 (after 6pm).

BURY SENIOR SECTION

THE popular 'Fur and Feather' match takes place on Sunday 14 December.

It will be bigger than ever, accomodating 90 anglers on different local venues.

These are: three sections on Parkers, two on Island Lodge, one on Kirklees Square, one on Coffin and one on Carcass Lodge.

Tickets are priced £10 and are available from Fisherman's Way and includes buffet, pools and prizes.

None members must purchase a day ticket.

The draw takes place at the Garsdale Hotel, Woodhill Road, Bury from 7.30am-8.30am.

Results and presentations will be at Bury Bridge Working Mens Club, Crostons Road at 4pm.