Freshwater Fishing: Dave eyes double as Eastleigh take the title

Second on the day to Pewsey and District, they now hold a massive six-point advantage going into the final round after Christmas, while Eastleigh's Dave Higgins who finished runner-up on the day, leads the individual league and is through to the final of the individual knockout.

Pewsey's stranglehold on the Hants, Wilts and Dorset Winter League, has lasted over a decade - but it has finally been ended by a side brimming with confidence and enthusiasm which has won all the major competition locally this season, under match secretary Dave Self.

On the day, Pewsey and District scored 81 section points to win from Eastleigh on 72 with Pewsey Avon Angling third on 61.5.

Others: Todber Manor 60, Christchurch 58, Ringwood 55.

With one match remaining, Eastleigh have just eight penalty points, with Todber in second with 14 and Pewsey and District third with 16.

With Eastleigh already assured victory and a passage to the semi-finals it only remains to be seen if Todber can hold off Pewsey for the remaining place in the semi-finals.

Individually on the day, Dave Tucker (Andover) took 19lb 8oz of bream on pole and red maggot from the Wides at Bristow's Bridge to win easily from Eastleigh's Dave Higgins who is individually sponsored by Marshall Rolfe Team Toyota. He had 5lb 7oz of roach on the pole and pinkie from the turning bay below the boats.

Teammate Ray Hayward finished third with a bream and bits for 5lb 2oz from the next peg to the winner.

Others: S Trevitt (Pewsey and District) 4lb 10oz, A Gray (Pewsey and District) 4lb 5oz, P Miller (Ringwood) 4lb 1oz. Section winners: A D Self (Eastleigh) 3lb 14oz, B A Palmer (Pewsey Avon Angling) 3lb 7oz, C P Miller (Ringwood) 4lb 1oz, D J Knight (Pewsey and District) 3lb 11oz, E D Higgins (Eastleigh) 3lb 7oz, G D Tucker (Andover) 19lb 8oz, H R Chave (Todber) 3lb 12oz, J D Roper (Pewsey and District) 2lb 12oz, K S Dabb (Andover) 2lb 14oz.