IT was decided before the fourth round of the Braintree Evening Match Series that it would be the last one and as three anglers were tied at the top, the winner would have the shield.

In the event, it was match secretary Jim Loosley who came out on top with two carp and an F1 for a 12-0-0 total, from Pete Thompson who had 6-10-0.

The Friday Club Sweep saw peg six once again provide the winner.

This time it was Thompson who landed one carp, six F1s and silvers for the top weight of 16-7-0, while John Daniels had one carp and F1s for 7-9-8 and second.

The third Notley match of the week on Sunday provided the best result.

Bob Cheeseman had mainly F1s on the long pole and in the margins for an easy win with 42-8-0.

Second place went to Thompson with three carp, two F1s and silvers weighing 22-7-0, just pipping Mick Banks by one ounce.

The Braintree team go off to a perfect start in defence of their Essex Inter-Club League title by winning the first round hosted by the Billericay Club on Southminster Pits.

Alan Luetchford won the match individually with 115lbs and Reece Hearn also won his section with 79lbs for Braintree.

On Sunday the Braintree club are at Clare on the Long Pond.

Any member wishing to fish should contact Pete Thompson and any angler wanting to fish the Kevin Chapman Memorial on the Fennes on July 16 should also contact him on 01376 344787.