MALVERN United fished the second of their winter league contests at the Fishponds, Colwall.

While the winter sun shone all day, water conditions remained cold from frosts earlier in the week and the fish were slower to feed at a usually productive winter venue.

Nevertheless, there were some fine nets of fish in a close-fought contest.

The eventual winner with 20lbs was Chris Loveridge, who tempted several bream up to 2lbs and a carp of about 3lbs on light waggler tackle using both maggots and worm baits.

Close behind in second was Dave Wilkes, who used pole tactics to catch a mixed bag of bream, perch and roach weighing 16lbs 2oz.

Third-placed Nigel Baylis caught 13-8, benefitting from a last-minute carp of about 5lbs to add to a few bream.

Dave Stretton managed 10-15, John Shaw 7-9, Richard Webster 6-14, Graham Rees 6-0, Ian Goddard 5-7 and Graham Matthews 2-7.