MICK Denton fought off challenges from 26 competitors to dominate the Oxford & District Angling Association’s first open match of the season on a low and clear Thames at Medley.

Bream had been caught all through during the first week so these were expected to provide the winning weights.

With four end pegs in the draw, it was these that provided the top weights with pegs in between showing up just three or four bream or skimmers.

Drennan Oxford matchman Denton, fishing in Perch Bay below the polars, had 19 bream and 5lbs of perch on the open-end feeder with worm on the hook for a winning weight of 67lb3oz.

Colin Wainwright (Sensas A4) was well behind in second spot with seven bream for 26.2.0.

His clubmate, Phil Drew, was third with 25.13.0.

A cracking net of chub secured victory for Vernon Adams in Littlemore AS’s first river match of the season.

Adams, alternating between bomb with lobworm and bread feeder had four chub to 5lb plus perch to claim the J Henwood Shield and 25 Top Tackle points with 16.9.0.

Pete Clarke had a twopound barbel and a mixed net for second with 7.3.0. Kevin Dolton was third with 3.15.0.

Doug Foreshew was a narrow winner as 14 Kidlington AS’s members struggled on the Bransons end of the Cherwell in their opening match.

Foreshew triumphed with 3.4.0. Maurice Winstone was runner-up with 2.8.0 and Ron Hillier third with 1.15.0.

  • THE ODAA are holding a bailiffs meeting at Kidlington Social Club on Monday, July 20 (8pm) with the aim of trying to recruit some more bailiffs to patrol their waters.

For more information, contact Vince Williams (tel 07946 572015).

OTHER RESULTS

Sutton Courtenay AC (Ken Stevens Memorial Match, Appleford Reach, 10 fished): 1 S Talbot 6.12.0, 2= E Granito & I Higgins 3.6.0.

FIXTURES

TOMORROW

Dorchester AS: Berks & Oxon, Benson, fishing 8-1.

Masons AC: Stable Lake v Masons match, draw 8, fishing 9-3.

Beehive AC: FA/UEFA Cup quarter-finals, Lower Court, draw 10, fishing 11-5.

Kidlington AS: Bullingdon (details Jamie Barrett tel 07808 191705).