TONY Rough visited our stretch of the tiny River Gowy, a short distance from Warrington, last Tuesday.

However an early start was spoiled when three otters paid a visit to his swim.

After the trio had moved on, he landed some largish gudgeon and plenty of small chub using a small, stick-float and loose-feeding maggot set-up.

It’s a spot that’s not to everybody’s taste, but that’s why we have so many different waters.

As the old saying goes, ‘one man’s meat is another man’s poison’.

Match organiser Ray Boden went back to his preferred method of pole and maggot to claim a clear victory in Saturday’s match on the River Mersey.

He landed 14-2-0 of roach, perch and skimmers to take first prize ahead of second-placed Jimmy Byrne, who fished the same method for 8-10-0.

Ant Higham, known as ‘King of the River’, returned to winning ways in our Mersey fixture on Sunday.

He used groundbait feeder and maggot to put 7-1-0 of roach and skimmers on the scales.

Martin Kettle was second, catching roach and perch on the pole alternating between maggot and caster.

There was a new victor in this week’s disabled and over 60s match on the Bridgewater Canal.

George Hollis’ haul, weighing 4lbs, consisted of roach and skimmers fished on the pole.

It’s been a while coming, butCommittee member Graham Belton was runner-up with 3-12-2.

I’ve received bad news from one of our members about the River Cain, where more than 500 fish have been wiped from its confluence with the River Vyrnwy.

I’d expect Natural Resources Wales to find the culprit, particularly as that stretch has been polluted previously.

Our headquarters at Parker Street are open every Friday, between 7pm and 9pm, for memberships, subscriptions, night-permit renewals and queries.

Keep sending your catch reports by email to frank@warrington-anglers.org.uk, or call me on 01928 716238.

Results Saturday, Mersey Series: 1, Ray Boden 14-2-0; 2, Jimmy Byrne 8-10-0; 3, Alan Birchall 8-9-0; 4, Peter Jones 8-1-0.

Sunday, Mersey Series: 1, Ant Higham 7-1-0; 2, Martin Kettle 6-11-0; 3, Ade Green 6-6-0; 4, Ed Frangleton 5-2-0.

Monday, disabled and over 60s: 1, George Hollis 4-0-0; 2, Graham Belton 3-12-2; 3, Lenny Dutton 2-5-12; 4, Geoff Brookes 2-3-4.

Fixtures Saturday, Mersey Series: draw 9am, Kingsway allotments.

Sunday, Mersey Series: draw 9am, Victoria Park.

Monday, disabled and over 60s: draw 10am, Beech Road.