MALVERN United anglers fished their first match of the new year at Fishponds, Colwall, after a long festive break.

A freezing night left ice covering much of the pool in the morning but fortunately there was enough clear water to fish the contest.

Bright winter sunshine was pleasantly warming for the contestants but the freezing cold water made fish reluctant to feed and consequently only a few were caught.

However, Richard Webster continued his winning form from last year to tempt a carp and two golden orfe using feeder tactics for a winning weight of 4lbs 4oz.

Chris Loveridge managed to catch an ide in the last minute to snatch second place with 2-4, leaving John Shaw in third with 1-3. Ian Goddard managed 0-1.

Meanwhile, it was a rare all-perch net that won the Whitehall Fishponds contest with Malvern’s Mick Harris making it three wins in a row by putting 5-9 onto the scales.

All his fish fell for maggot over groundbait on peg 11.

Second-placed Alf Hand used the waggler along with maggot to net a few roach, perch and ide on his peg five going 3-1.

In third place was Keith Holt with 2-2.

Local anglers will be saddened by the death last week of Worcester match fishing legend Billy Hill.

Hill dominated the local match scene for three decades during the 1970s, 80s and 90s, winning almost every Worcester and District United Anglers’ Association trophy.

They included the Orphanage, Rigden and President’s Cups when they attracted more than 150 competitors.

Along with his Portobello club, Hill made the prestigious Bank’s Cup contest his own, winning the match on Oak Meadows on numerous occasions.