Aston wins Shipston AC's Christmas contest

STEVE Aston came out on top of Shipston AC’s Christmas contest, held on six sections of the River Stour last Sunday.

With 25 anglers spread out along the banks of the river, expectations of some good weights were all the talk over breakfast at The Coach and Horses and the draw was all-important on the day.

With the weather still cold and rainy, conditions were far from perfect, but weights remained good.

Aston triumphed with a great net of small dace, roach and chub, weighing in at 20lb 10lbs.

It was a close finish for the other places, with less than a pound between second and fifth place. Tony Avery (11lb 9oz) was second, followed by Ade Ager (11lb 8oz), Robert Reynolds (11lb 5oz) and Stuart Fleming (11lb 0oz).

Shipston AC’s next match is the Upper Stour Open on 30th December.

Meanwhile, Stratford-on-Avon Angling Association held its Christmas contest for members on a cold River Stour at Wimpstone on Sunday.

Gordon Yates won it with a catch of 5.2.0, Paul Lambert was second (3.0.0), closely followed by Byron Yates (2.15.8).