THE annual pairs match between the Kelvedon and Braintree clubs was hosted by Kelvedon at Layer Marney, but the fishing was a little disappointing for most of the competitors.

The top pair of Kevin Howell and Steve Mason had no problems in catching fish, though, and both ended the day in second place in sections with all silver fish nets to total 16 points.

Howell had 5-11-0 from number two and Mason 11-8-0 from number three.

There was a tie for second, with two pairs on 14 points, so weight became the deciding factor.

This gave the verdict to Andy Aves and Jamie Derry, who won the match with the top individual weight of 29-8-0, five carp and silvers.

Third went to Matt Gould, the top weight on number two, with 7-11-8, and his partner Simon White.

The competitors in the Braintree club's Friday match at Notley had to divert at White Notley due to a road closure.

Carp and F1s are starting to feed and they now provide the top weights, with back up silvers.

Jim Loosley had the largest carp, officially weighed at 8-11-0 from the lake, to which he added six F1s and silvers for a 21-4-0 total.

Howell had one carp with five F1s and silvers for 16-6-0 and second, just ahead of Penny Turner, who had three carp but lost out on the silvers to finish with 16-0-0.

Any trophy winners from last year with any club are reminded that the match secretary would be grateful for the return of the silverware as soon as possible to hand out to this year's winners.

On that point, Braintree club members will have their Prize Presentation on Wednesday, May 17, at the Liberal Club in Braintree starting at 8pm.

Braintree and Bocking Angling Society memberships for the new season start on May 1 and the first club match will be on Sunday, May 7, on the Long Pond at Clare.

Contact the match secretary if you want to fish.