MALVERN United anglers fished their Fitzwater Cup contest at Colwall’s Fishponds Fishery.

Expectations were high because the venue had been producing well in previous days, but bright sunshine seemed to put the fish off feeding in many places this time.

Nevertheless, the contest was close between those who found fish.

Leading the field, Bill Hartland found a shoal of ide he tempted on float-fished maggot to finish with a winning weight of 18lb 10oz.

Not far behind in second place with 15-12 was Steve Warren, who had a similar net of ide, although he lost several bigger fish that would have given him the lead.

Richard Webster and John Barr had a close battle for third and fourth places some way off with weights of 10-4 and 10-0 respectively.

Chris Loveridge managed 8-12, Dave Harris 7-10, Dick Oakley 6-12 and Lee Harman 6-10.