Tang Hall Match Group, York's sole representatives in the National Federation of Anglers, came desperately close to promotion from division five, writes Darren Starkey.

The decision to allow anglers double pegs was justified with a great contest on the River Trent.

There were only three blanks out of the 420 anglers who lined the banks from Winthorpe to Clifton. Most enjoyed float fishing action reminiscent of the good old days of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The Tang Hall squad finished 12th with just the top ten gaining promotion. They tallied 235 points, just nine short.

Ken Jones was the team's top performer finishing second in his section with 4.14kg of roach.

Other top scorers included Dave Collinson, Frank Lindley, Rod Chalk, Dave Evenett and Glen Jewitt.

Yorkshire pride was restored when National debutants Gas Ac, who boasted Trent legends John Allerton and Martyn Highe, finished in bronze medal position with 303 points.

Leeds river ace Terry Morgan took third individual place with an 18lb 8oz net of bream, chub and barbel taken feeder fished caster at Collingham.

There has been no further lifting of foot and mouth restrictions. I fear that the river season may well now be a write off. It is a good job the Evening Press catchment area is blessed with such a wealth of splendid stillwater commercial fisheries.

Poole Bridge Farm is fishing well with lots of carp into double figures. Good mixed sport from smaller fish is to be had at the Potteries, Strensall, with 20 to 30 lb catches commonplace.

At Carpvale, the front pond has plenty of carp willing to take floating baits cast towards the two central islands. Find a clear patch amongst the weed on Goldrush pond at the Willows and hordes of small carp, ide, orfe and tench will be waiting. Pellet, caster or corn will all score.

Both the Oaks and Woodlands offer splendid facilities with pellet and paste the best pleasure fishing combination to target the stockies. Check for match bookings.

At Maran Lakes a good number of 3lb average fish are being caught despite unsettled weather.

A fair selection of flies have been working, including Cats Whisker, Damsel, Ace Of Spades, Black Gnat, various nymphs and the daddy long legs.

The catch report is: R Bramley 10 fish best 3 lb, M Richardson two fish best 3lb, W Bunton one fish for 3lb, A W Potts one fish for 2 lb, F Scott two fish best 1 lb, I Lewis three fish best 3 lb, G Rooke one fish for 2lb (brown trout), C Plaistow two fish best 4lb, S Jozefowich two fish best 3lb, J Overfield two fish best 2 lb, T Egan three fish best 2lb, R Geddes three fish best 3lb, D Mitchell three fish best 2lb, G Ward four fish best 2lb, M Whyman three fish best 4lb, M Freeman twi fish best 2lb, G Orchard one fish for 3lb.

Fixtures

Saturday: Park View - CIU, Poppleton - Local, Palace Ings - GPO.

Sunday: Park View - Acomb WMC, Poppleton - Ben Johnsons, Fulford - Royal Oak, Acaster - Burton Stone.

Updated: 11:20 Friday, August 24, 2001