THE Bury Society's National Team Open took place on Wednesday night with a target weight of 12lb.

In last Thursday evening's National Open, fished on the Island Lodge, the target weight of 13lb failed to be attained in this long-running series.

John Fletcher had an excellent net of fish to take top weight, from peg 3, with 11-3-0. In second place, Daz Shaw had 9-3-0 and in a tie for third place, Dave Chadwick and Bill Brierley each took 8-7-0. Section winners were Rough Gough with 7-1-0 and Paul White with 8-2-0.

Unlucky man-of-the-match was Jonathan Jowett, on no.1 peg under the chestnut tree, set his stall out to catch carp. He hooked four heavy specimens which immediately ran him under the arches, stretching his elastic to the limit and breaking braded lines -- much to the amusement of fellow competitors.

In the Pilsworth Fisheries Wednesday Open, fished on the Carp Lake, G. Scott (Rochdale AC) had top weight of 23-14-0. In second place Daz Shaw (Sensas Garbolino) 10-9-0 and in third place, Jonathan Jowett (Sensas Garbolino) 7-9-0.

On Sunday, several local anglers travelled to Sankey St Helens Canal to fish the Newton-le-Willows National Open which was fished by 53 anglers.

Jonathan Jowett, fishing peg 51, took seven bream plus perch to take top weight 16-0-0. In second place, Mark Dinely (Lymm), fishing peg 59, took 12-14-0. In third place, Dave Lloyd (Leigh Angling) 11-12-0 and in fourth place, Roy Gough (Fisherman's Way) had 9-10-0.

Also on Sunday, in the final practice for the Drennan League Division One, fished on the Bridgewater Canal, local anglers featured in the leading weights at Stretford. Top weight fell to Peter Norris (Standish) with 13-6-2 -- which included a carp of 12-8-0. In second place, Colin Higson 6-0-0, Gary Tucker (Tri Cast Highfield) 5-7-10 for third place, while team-mate S. Slater took fourth place with 4-15-0. John Walker of Little Lever took 4-8-0 for firth place.

BURY AND DISTRICT

SEA ANGLERS

THE next trip is on Sunday, September 14, aboard a new boat, "Morgan Jane" at Porth Dinorwic.

BURY SOCIETY SENIOR SECTION

THE committee meeting takes place on Monday, September 3, at Elton Liberal Club, 7.30pm.

The September Cup is scheduled to take place on the River Irwell at Bennies on Sunday, September 2. River levels are very low at the moment but rain is forecast for week-end. Draw time 9am, fishing 10am to 3pm.

I am disappointed to report that a father and son, after enjoying a day's fishing on Parker's Lodge, returned to their car to find it had been extensively damaged by small-minded vandals. The damage will cost £400 to put right. What a pity their energy could not be put into something useful. ANGLING NOTESBy Bill Turner Success off the peg for John Fletcher!