FOUR Kidlington anglers enjoyed a week to remember in France as they battled with catfish in unfamiliar waters.

Sean Trafford, Michael Trafford, Mick Trafford and Mick Denton journeyed across the Channel for their annual fishing excursion.

And, despite choosing a new venue – a seven-acre lake called Beurepaire, near Reims – the quartet enjoyed a prosperous week.

On their first night, they decided to test the waters with single hookbaits or small pva bags and it paid off.

Mick Trafford hauled in a 36lb 12oz 0drms mirror carp – his largest of the week – and Michael Trafford landed a 22.12.0 grass carp.

The fishing was patchy at times, with some struggling for a bite, while others had three or four runs in the space of a few hours.

But Mick Denton, a Drennan Oxford match angler, led the way.

Firstly, he caught a massive 82.08.0 catfish – his personal best – over Blakes Baits Pellet & Krinella, before topping the scales again at 87.04.0.

There was some more action during the week with carp weighing in just shy of 40lb.

And Sean Trafford endured a two-and-a-half hour battle, including 60 minutes in the boat, with a catfish weighing more than 100lb.

Unfortunately, it got the better of him, but the quartet finished the week in good spirits and caught 25 fish between them.

l PAUL Hitchman claimed his first victory of the season when winning Littlemore AS’ Secretary’s Cup.

Fished on the Thames at Sandford, Hitchman triumphed with a net of small roach, taken on the waggler, with hemp and caster, for 15.01.0.

Alan Campbell was second and Pete Clarke third.

Meanwhile, Clarke clinched the Summer League with 106 points, while Hitchman was second with 95 and Tim Allen third on 73.

l DRENNAN Oxford’s Tony Hobbs won the Turner 400 – the first of three big Upper Thames matches.

Fished from Grafham lock down to Tadpole in windy and wet conditions, Hobbs claimed victory, thanks to four late chub on a chop worm feeder for an overall weight of 22.00.0

Nick King, of Browning Andover Blue, and Daiwa Gordon League Black’s Lee Green were second and third respectively.

Thirty teams of four competed, with Browning Andover beating Drennan Oxford Black by one point.

OTHER RESULTS

Oakfield Fishery (Monday, Brook, 14 fished): 1 J Rogers (Frenzee GOT Baits) 29.07,0, 2 S Carter (Dynamite Oakfield) 17.07.0, 3 A Foulkes (Dynamite Oakfield) 17.02.0.

Oakfield Fishery (Wednesday, Red Kite, 11 fished) 1 F Lawther (Dynamite Oakfield) 91.13.0, 2 P McLoughlin (Dynamite Oakfield) 87.02.0, 3 B Eddy (Dynamite Oakfield) 85.12.0.

Oakfield Fishery (Saturday, Brook & Red Kite, 17 fished): 1 G Thorpe (GOT Baits) 159.11.0, 2 B Eddy (Dynamite Oakfield) 119.14.0, 3 D Howe (Browning Crowparts) 104.04.0.

Oakfield Fishery (Sunday, Red Kite, 30 pegs): 1 R Chapman 101.03.0, 2 P Dan 84.09.0, 3 G Thorpe (GOT Baits) 67.13.0.

TOMORROW’S FIXTURES

Swan Open (individual): Radcot, Clanfield, draw Clanfield FC.

Beehive AC: Pairs/points match, Frobury, draw 9, fishing 10-4.

North Oxford AS: Frewin v Kidlington, Godstow, draw 8, fishing 9-2.

Masons AC: Match v Sutton Courtenay, draw 7.30, fishing 8.30-1.30.