The organisers had set themselves a fundraising target of £1,000, but sponsorship, a raffle, barbecue and breakfast sandwiches meant the amount raised was close to £1,500.

The match comprises two elements: biggest carp caught, and highest weight of carp in 24 hours.

Kieron Stigant went one better than last year and won both trophies and a week's fishing in France for his efforts for his largest carp of 23lb 8oz. The match for the highest weight was close-run, Stigant overtaking Gareth Evans with half-an-hour remaining.

The organisers thanked sponsors, and companies who, in hard times, donated generously towards the raffle prizes.


THREE COUNTIES ANGLING LEAGUE

The fourth round of the league saw A division fished on Back Arun Fishery.

Results: 1 Arun (30pts), 2 Rother1 & Rother 2 (20). Individuals: 1 Steve Jeffery (Arun) 39lb 1oz, all carp on the pole, 2 Peter Curwood (Rother 2) 24lb 7oz, 3 Paul Romaniuk (Arun) 22lb 3oz.

B division was fished on Wispers Pond.

Results: 1 Rother 4 (27), 2 Bognor (24), 3 Rother 3 (20). Individuals: 1 G Barnes (Pollards Hill) 7lb 7oz, 2 Nick Merritt (Rother 4) 6lb 11oz,
3 Geoff Oram (Stedham) 5lb 9oz.

Finally, C division fished on New Pond.

Results: 1 Ash 3 (23), 2 Marsh Pools & Rother (20). Individuals: 1 James Humpheys (Ash 3) 12lb 4oz, mainly carp, 2 Ian Oliver (Rother) 4lb 6oz, 3 Steve Clement (Oakhanger) 3lb 7oz.