LAST Saturday saw the 2003 Redditch Federation of Ang-ers Avon Championships fished between Luddington and Bidford.

There were 48 anglers in action on a low and clear river. A bright blue sky added to conditions that made catching fish rather tricky.

Even though the conditions were hard, the winner of the event, generously sponsored by Alan Stephens of Alcester Sports and Tackle, recorded a double figure total.

This year's champion is Ray Nosworthy of Bidford AC who netted 14-14-0 of perch and roach from peg 39 on the Bidford Rec. He caught on both waggler and feeder using maggot bait.

The runner-up was Tony Avery (Alcester Sports and Tackle), also on the Rec (peg 51), who bagged 11-10-0 of mainly roach caught on the waggler, again with maggot bait.

Third was Steve Williams (Shakespeare) off peg 37again on the Rec with 9-5-0 of roach caught on the pole with caster and hemp bait.

Section winners - Luddington: Dave Draper 2-3-0. Welford: Nick Jukes 3.8.0. Hillborough: James Pitman 6.6.8. Bidford: Paul Caswell 6-11-0.

Tunnel Barn Farm

Results - Wednesday Open (House 1): 1 T Sheppard (Oxford) 40.8.0; 2 P Rice (Trabucco TBF) 29.0.0; 3 C Newton (Redditch) 25.15.0. Thursday (House 1): R Lawrence (Fosters) 88.0.0; 2 T Sheppard 55.11.0; 3 S Edwards (Tackle Box) 45.15.0. Saturday (House 1): 1 P Rice 52.5.0; 2 M Hincks (Youngs TBF) 49.3.0; 3 P Caton (Banbury Guns) 46.9.0. Sunday (House 1): 1 L Mason (Fosters) 50.5.8; 2 S Hemming-way (Drennan); 3 T Sheppard 42.11.8.