Angling: Jones comes through test with an impressive catch.

FREEZING cold wind and rain made the opening round of the Winter League at Port Talbot Docks something of an endurance test, but there was still a very good winning 44lb catch of small bream from rising Caerphilly match star Rob Jones.

Cardiff butcher Steve Shaw made second place with 26lb 8oz, while Glamorgan Rebels stalwart Geoff Clarke was third with 25lb.

The next round is on Sunday, December 14.

Tredegar club Sirhowy AS headed to a lake at Ledbury for the latest match and that was good news for Chris Byard, who lives in Hereford and cashed in on his local knowledge to win with 43lb of carp on pole and sweetcorn.

Brian Protheroe brought second prize home to Merthyr with 26lb of carp and Rhymney member Brian Jones was third with 23lb.

Despite the wind and rain, over 50lb won both matches at White Springs.

Tony Wale had the top score when he won on the Match Lake with 58lb 6oz ahead of Gordon Furlong's 48lb 4oz and third man Geoff Walker with 24lb 7oz.

Willis Worms team member Nigel Morris won on the Old Canal with 54lb 4oz and after that it was John Charles worth with 41lb 4oz and Adam Mitchell with 35lb 10oz.

Roach and gudgeon decided who won their Christmas dinners at the Pontymister AC fur and feather match on the canal at Cross Keys. Paul Clarke, from Risca, rounded off a very successful year with a winning 2lb 4oz.