MARTIN Phipps beat the cold to win the practice match before this weekend’s final round of the Angling Trust Oxford Winter League, which was fished by 30 anglers on the Oxford Canal from Wolvercote to Aristotle bridge.

Following heavy overnight frosts, half the pegs were frozen and those in town were ice free.

This coupled with a gin-clear canal and most wanted to draw in town.

However, the Wolvercote sections fished exceptionally well and the town sections were rock hard with one section being won with a single fish.

Phipps (Drennan Oxford), drawn on the allotments at Wolvercote, had skimmers and roach on bloodworm for a winning weight of 16lb 9oz.

Sensas A4 anglers Stuart Keable and Mark Harrington were second and third with 10.12 and 10.6 respectively.

Alan Campbell claimed Littlemore AS’s RC Smith Cup by landing three chub in the first hour on the Thames at Medley.

Campbell claimed premium Top Tackle Points with his catch of 8.13. Brian Simpson was second with 5.2 and Jack Griffiths third on 2.8

Pete Oliver won Yarnton & District’s Winter League title almost by default after landing the only fish of the penultimate round on Oxford Canal at Kidlington.

He weighed in with two ounces, having caught 19 tiny roach.

OTHER RESULTS

Oakfield (Saturday, Swallow & Brook, 16 fished): 1 D Williamson (RAF) 80.5.0, 2 D Wilson, 32.5.0, 3 P McLoughlin (Dynamite Oakfield) 12.15.8.

Oakfield (Sunday, Brook, 10 fished): 1 G Thorpe (GOT Baits) 3.10.0, 2 D Wilson 2.14.0, 3 R Young (Dynamite Baits) 2.6.0.

TOMORROW’S FIXTURES

Angling Trust Oxford Winter League: 6th round, Oxford Canal, draw 7.45, fishing 10-30-3.30.

Masons AC: Match v Marston & Sutton Courtenay, Culham Reach, draw 8, fishing 9-2.