FOR the second week in a row Jim Butcher from Bradford carried off top prize in the Viaduct Fishery Open match where catches were well below their best, writes COLIN SCULL.

Butcher took a carp catch weighing 46 lb 10 oz to finish ahead of Alan Oram, of Dynamite Baits, with 26 lb 10 oz of carp.

Andy Guard, of Alcove, clinched third prize with a carp and silvers catch weighing 20 lb 15 oz.

THE Wilts Angling Open match was fished on Sunday on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Honeystreet where top honours on the day went to Alan Hillier, from Westbury, with 9 lb 8 oz of roach and perch.

Kevin Rowles, from Devizes, was runner up prize with 7 lb 1 oz of roach and perch.

Simon Hebditch, of Garbolino BVMG, clinched third prize with 6 lb 14 oz of roach.

Other placings: 4. James Carty Pewsey 6 lb 11 oz; 5. Nick Johns Trowbridge 6 lb 7 oz; 6. Liam Braddell Chippenham 6 lb 3 oz.

Future events

Sunday Feb 2: Chippenham Open match at Chippenham; Kelston match at Swineford; Salisbury v Avon match River Nadder.

Thursday Feb 6: Bathampton Silvers Championship match at Bridge Pool.

MORE SPORTS NEWS & PICTURES IN THIS WEEK'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND WILTSHIRE TIMES