TICKETS for all the 16 qualifying matches in the Fish O'Mania competition were all sold within 36 hours of going on sale, but there was some criticism by local anglers of the system used.

Application forms were issued through fishery owners, Angling Times and the NFA, but some application forms sent out by the NFA did not arrive at the clubs until after the sell-out was announced.

One of the major criticisms made was that there was no limit on the number of tickets which an individual could apply for and some bought tickets for all 16 matches.

Many local anglers were unable to get tickets for the matches due to be fished at Viaduct Fishery or other fisheries within reasonable travelling distance.

It is also believed that some of the venue owners handed out application forms before the appointed date of issue. At the South West and South Wales regional meeting held on Saturday delegates made a complaint to the NFA HQ at Derby.

There was mixed sport in the Avon match fished on Sunday on the Avon at Melksham.

Stuart White, of Chippenham, won with a mixed catch of bream, tench and perch weighing 12lb 14oz, taken alternating with feeder-fished worms, casters and maggots.

Runner-up was Andy Pratten, of Melksham, with a mixed catch of bream and roach weighing 6lb 15oz, taken on stick-floated casters on an 18 hook.

He was followed by Snowy White, of Melksham, with a mixed catch of roach and skimmers weighing 5lb 11oz, taken on Avon-floated punched bread on an 18 hook.

Other placings: 4 John Garner, Chippenham, 4lb 13oz; 5 Stan Blackbourne, Chippenham, 4lb 3oz; 6 Malcolm White, Melksham, 3lb 14oz.

Sunday's Airsprung match on the Frome at Stowford Farm produced mixed sport.

Barry Oakford, of Trowbridge, won with a mixed catch of roach and dace weighing 9lb 10oz, taken on pole-fished hemp and red maggots. Mike Marsden, of Warminster, was second with a mixed catch of bream and perch weighing 5lb 14oz, taken on feeder-fished worm on an 18 hook. He was followed by Roger Green, of Trowbridge, with a mixed bag of roach and gudgeon weighing 4lb 14oz, taken on stick-floated casters on an 18 hook.

Other placings: 4 Richard Stainer, Trowbridge, 1lb 7oz 8dm; 5 Bill Turner, Trowbridge, 1lb 6oz; 6 Steve Green, Trowbridge, 1lb 2oz 8dm.

Competitors enjoyed some good sport in the Wilts Angling Open match at Todber Manor on Sunday.

John Gray, of Salisbury, won with an all-carp catch weighing 72lb 4oz, taken alternating with pole fished red maggots and sweetcorn.

Mark Evens, of Trowbridge, was second with a carp catch weighing 54lb 3oz, taken on pole-fished bronze maggots on an 18 hook.

Martin Barrett, of Trowbridge, was third with a carp catch weighing 52lb 10oz, taken alternating with pole-fished white and red maggots on an 18 hook.

Other placings: 4 Nick Collins, Wincanton, 44lb; 5 Will Bonny, Gillingham, 42lb 13oz; 6 Mick Gunning, Trowbridge 36lb 2oz.