WHAT would we do without the prolific Kennet and Avon Canal?

Every week over the winter period the canal is producing a never-ending string of weights.

The Marlborough Open last Sunday attracted 60 anglers and produced some close results.

Top was Cotswold's Dave Pearce, who took 13-2 of mainly roach, beating the Kevin Rowles of Devizes, who took 12-13 of roach ahead of Mick Olden, also of Devizes, (12-12).

Devizes' Kevin Bamford (10-14-8) and Andrew McTiffin (10-14-0) came next.

THE first semi final of the North Wessex Winter League this weekend could be a cracker with end pegs being an advantage.

The match attracts the top 10 teams from last year's series Swindon Tribe, Devizes White, Lobbies Black, Devizes Red, Turners Red, Talisman Gold, Devizes Blue, Cotswold A and B and Lobbies Gold.

Ivy House match results

Wed Dec 31: 1 Nick Cheeseman (12) 44-0; 2, Mark Baston (45) 32-0; 3 Simon Jones (31) 24-2; 4, Derek Hillier (47) 19-12.

Friday Veterans Jan 2: 1 John Lewis (47) 29-12; 2, Simon Jones (48) 18-0; 3, Don Chapman (46) 13-8.

Sat Jan 3: 1 Leon Hubbard (31) 66-10; 2, Paul Connor (24) 18-9; 3, Mark Baston (33) 18-8; 4, Darren Reeves (47) 13-9.

Ivy House Lakes AC renewal of membership is due before the first match on Feb 1. New members are welcome. Ring Mick on 644449 for more information.

Weekend and Future Activities

Fri Jan 9: Ivy House Lakes Veterans matches.

Sun Jan 11: North Wessex Winter League first of the semi-finals at Bedwyn. Draw Cross Keys public house at 7.45am.

BCA match to be held on the Marshes stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal at Hungerford. Draw 8.30am. Fish 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Renewal of club membership due on day. Register on 705119.

Coleview AA v Clanfield AC. Breakfast 7am at Coleview Community Centre. Draw at bottom of Clanfield Lane at 8am. Ring Ian on 692700 to confirm attendance.

Sun Jan 18: Peatmoor Junior Winter League Round 3.

Sun Jan 25: Danny Bohane Memorial match on the Devizes AC stretches of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Book on either HOA 1 on 693460 or ring Neal on 01488 71743.

Sun Feb 1: North Wessex Winter League 2nd semi final on Devizes ACs waters.

Sun Feb 15: Chippenham AC Bob Taylor Memorial Charity match. Proceeds to Air Ambulance. 60 peg limit. Ring 01249 659210 (£15 all in).