MALVERN United fished the first of their Spring League matches at Mathon pool.

After a cold start with rain expected, weather conditions were not as hoped for at this time of year and the fish were finicky at times.

Nevertheless, there were good-sized skimmer bream, perch and small roach caught throughout.

The eventual winner was Ian Goddard with 10lbs 6oz of silver fish on pole-fished maggots and pellets.

Close behind was Chris Loveridge with 9-12 including a perch of almost 2lbs.

Dave Wilkes bagged 5-6 and John Shaw 2-0.

Bigger carp started to move about later in the match and a couple were lost by anglers fishing on light tackle but not much is expected until warmer weather returns.