THE Merv Joslin Open, hosted by the Kelvedon Club at Layer Marney, only attracted ten anglers, so the match was held on number three lake where everyone caught.

Match Secretary Derek Harper almost had the match won on his first cast, as he landed a carp.

He then went on to land four more and also had three pound of silvers to finish well clear of the rest with final figures of 35-13-0.

Simon Gypps (KDAA) was the only other angler to have a carp and he weighed 12-10-0 in second.

Pete Thompson (Braintree) had the top silver fish net of 7-14-0 in third.

Sections (excluding top three): 1 Kim Nash (KDAA) 6-13-0, 2 Penny Turner 6-0-0.

In two weeks, Layer Marney will again be the venue for the Pairs Match between the Kelvedon and Braintree clubs.

Members of both clubs should book in with their club secretaries.

There was no match at Notley last Friday as Braintree club officials attended the funeral of club President Pat Forrester.

It was clear from the service that Pat had two main passions in life - his family and his fishing.

He was successful in enjoying both and it was clear that equally the family held him in high regard.

The press cuttings on display were proof of his angling abilities.

The family all have their favourite stories and the anglers who knew him could all recall at least one episode that they will remember.

He obviously will be remembered not only by his family, but also by the local anglers and will always be associated with the Braintree and Bocking Angling Society.

The club's AGM will take place on Tuesday, April 18, at the Liberal Club in Braintree, starting at 8pm.