Those in the 57 entry Leeds open on the Ouse, upstream of Aldwark Bridge, who were expecting another bream bonanza were left disappointed as the slabs failed to show in the cold, clear water.

The only angler to track down a bronze beauty was Stan Jeffries (Armley Angling) who took the 5lb lump on a caster from opposite the boat hole. He added a couple of perch for his modest winning bag of 6lb1oz. Clive Stokes (Armley Angling) led the chasing pack with a mixed roach and perch net of 3lb10oz.

Others: Nigel Rance (Darlington Angling Centre) 3-1-0; Dennis Wood (Tadcaster) 3-0-0; Ken McGloghlin (Marsh Tackle) 2-13-0; Bob Ramshaw (Armley Angling) 2-9-0.

Strong winds hampered the 51 entry on Maple Lake at the Oaks where it was quality not quantity that scored for a change. Bert Poole (Dam Brighouse Geers) topped a tight frame with 32lb4oz from end peg one. Taking full advantage of the following wind he fished corn tight across for carp in the 1 to 2lb class. Close by on peg 62 was Pete Cowan (The Oaks) who chose to fish maggot rather than bigger baits. His decision was vindicated by 29lb8oz of 10 to 12oz carp.

Others: Pete Sharpe (Leeds) 28-10-0; Graham Hall (Tricast Calder) 28-0-0; John McGarrill (MAP Elton) 27-13-0; Ken Dixon (Newman Scotts) 26-4-0.

The Wednesday open at Woodlands drew 67 to Partridge and Skylark with Alan Barker (Miracle Baits) taking the honours from peg 14 on Skylark. Fishing pole and meat at 6 metres he netted a string of carp for his 45lb10oz. Darryl Taylor (MAP Elton) steered clear of the meat and fished chopped worm and caster at 11 metres for a mixed haul of tench, carp, barbel and chub weighing 42lb1oz.

Others: Gerry Bowes (Dick Clegg Metro) 39-10-0; Steve Russell (Newman Scotts) 34-14-0; Nigel Johnson (MAP Elton) 33-12-0; Peter Whitely (Cleveland Angling Centre) 29-8-0

Saturday's open saw a level 60 anglers fight out a high scoring contest with heavy winds pushing the fish to the Southerly ends of Skylark and Partridge. John McGarill (MAP Elton) led from Skylark 16 where he alternated meat and corn at for his 58lb10oz of carp to 6lb plus odd tench. Lyndon Roberts (MAP Elton) had best weight off Partridge with his 54lb9oz from peg 20. Others: Simon Wood (MAP Elton) 51-6-0; Mark Longhurst (MAP Elton) 46-6-0; Alan Barker (Miracle Baits) and Dave Gill (MAP Elton) both 42-6-0; Dave Gill (MAP Elton) 34-9-0.

The North Central League looks set to go the wire after a blanket finish on an out-of-sorts Ure at Ripon. In the penultimate 60 pegger only 4 points separated the top 5 teams. Dave Wilson (Thirsk) led with a memorable 13lb8oz. Drawn 192 below North Bridge he bomb fished caster for 5 chub, 3 grayling and a huge roach that tipped the scales at a level 3lb.

Others: Nigel Stickler (Wetherby) 6-12-0; Gary Lumsden (Boroughbridge) 4-15-0; Mick Britton (Ripon) 4-8-8; Keith Butcher (Thirsk) 4-7-0

Teams: Thirsk 68; Wetherby 67; Ripon 66; Boroughbridge 65; Knaresborough 64; Claro 52. League: Knaresborough 336; Claro 333; Ripon 332; Boroughbridge 319; Thirsk 312; Wetherby 271.

Updated: 12:28 Wednesday, September 12, 2001