After the closed season lay-off, Malvern United Angling Association members were keen to get back onto the river banks.

The first contest was the traditional opener, the Ashwin Cup, on the club's stretch of the Severn at Holdfast.

This stretch holds a large head of very big bream and these are the best bet to target early season, with groundbait and feeder tactics providing most success.

With the river low, clear bites would be at a premium but overcast conditions helped and John Barr came out on top.

Drawn on end peg 24, he used an open-end feeder plugged with groundbait and maggots on the hook to land three good bream for a weight of 14-8-0.

Cup-holder Mike Spragg did his best but finished runner-up with 7-5-0, consisting of two bream caught on similar tactics from peg 16. Third spot went to Chris Loveridge, who took a net of skimmers from peg 1 for 6-2-0.

The next contest is the second of the Wednesday night Sandford series, which alternates between the Avon and Severn, the next being on the Severn at Holdfast, draw 6pm.

For more details on association events, contact Mick Perks on Malvern 561777.