SUNDAY’S Wilts Angling Open Pairs on the Kings Arms stretch of the Kennet & Avon Canal was won by Martin Barrett, from Bradford, with 10 lb 4 oz of skimmers, writes COLIN SCULL.

Kevin Rowles, from Devizes, was a close runner up with 10 lb 3 oz of roach and skimmers, followed by Mick Martin, from Trowbridge, with 8 lb 12 oz of perch and skimmers. The pairs top prize went to Vic Abbott, from Bradford, and Martin with 14 lb.

Other placings: 4. Stuart White Chippenham 8 lb 8 oz; 5. Matt Skyrme Trowbridge 7 lb 11 oz; 6. Tony Gilbert Melksham 6 lb 0 oz.

Pairs: 1. Vic Abbott Bradford & Mick Martin Trowbridge 14 lb 0 oz; 2. Stuart White Chippenham & Robin Guy Melksham 13 lb 14 oz; 3. Stave Saunders Melksham & Martin Barrett Bradford 13 lb 11 oz.

THE Commercial House League Christmas match fished on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Bathampton was won by Joe Harvey of Cardiff Nomads who reeled in 8 lb of roach and skimmers.

Liam Braddell, from Chippenham, was runner up with 7 lb 5 oz of roach and skimmers, followed by Sean Townsend, of Maver Bathampton, with 5 lb 9 oz of roach and skimmers.

Other placings: 4. Mike Williams 5 lb 8 oz; 5. Richard Lacey Maver Bathampton 5 lb 7 oz; 6. Vince Lunn Bristol 4 lb 15 oz.

THE Thursday Open match at Viaduct Fishery was won by Steve Hutter, of Garbolino RAF, with 113 lb 12 oz of carp.

John Howell, of Frome Haines Angling, was next with 86 lb 13 oz of carp, followed by Roland Lucas, of Wilts Angling, with 40 lb 2 oz of carp and silvers.

MAY I wish all readers a happy and healthy New Year with plenty of tight lines in 2014.

Future events

Friday Dec 27: Avon Club Pairs match at Melksham.

Saturday Dec 28: King Billy match at Keynsham.

Sunday Dec 29: Airsprung Open Pairs match Bristol Avon and K & A Canal; Calne Open match at Hazeland.

Wednesday Jan 1: Chippenham Open match at Chippenham.

MORE SPORTS NEWS & PICTURES IN THIS WEEK'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND WILTSHIRE TIMES