THE weather was almost spring-like for the competitors in the Braintree and Bocking Angling Society Club Sweep on Hobbs Croft at the Fennes, but the water is still very cold and the fishing was patchy.

The fish came in spells for all the competitors and the man to make the most of this was Reece Hearn, who weighed 13-8-8 of roach and skimmers.

Sections (excluding winner): 1 P Thompson 10-3-0, 2 G Spong 11-8-0.

The Friday Sweep at Notley was only fished by three members, who had to break the ice.

Small roach, skimmers and perch were caught and Jim Loosley made it two in a row, weighing 3-5-0.

On Sunday the club are back on Ash Grounds for the Elliot Pairs Cup, but the weather forecast is for it to be cold and ice breakers may be called into action once again.