LEVAS staged their final canal open match before the Division 1 National Championships on Saturday, and if the Erewash Canal continues on such stunning form, the 'National' will give competitors a match to remember. Alan Wright (assisted by John Carver) ran the match from the Steamboat Inn, Trent Lock at the HQ.  It was fished by 48 anglers, spread out between the Tamworth Road Bridge and Trent Lock, produced 7 individual weights over 10 lbs, an average weight per angler of 6 lb 7 oz, and good catches throughout . This was in spite of the water being as clear as tap water on the day.

Top weight was taken by Fred Cheetham

Top weight was taken by Fred Cheetham with 14 lb 14 oz from peg 87 near the railway bridges, and consisted mainly of roach and skimmer bream, plus a few bonus perch, taken on pole fished squatt bait.  This was just enough to clear second placed angler, J Cunningham (peg 66) who had a similar catch for 14 lb 6 oz from the stretch opposite the Royal Oak.

Other leading weights were Steve Toone (peg 80) 12 lb 4 oz, S Jones (peg 65) 11 lb 13 oz, A Shepherd (peg 72) 10 lb 14 oz, P Turner (peg 117) 10 lb 5 oz, S Vaux (peg 81) 10 lb 3 oz.

As well as being available to LEVAS members, this excellent stretch of the Erewash Canal may be fished on day ticket (available from Bailiff's on the bank for £2.50) and may also be booked for matches (via Mick Lager, Water Bookings Secretary).