The Ripon Piscatorials and Thirsk Opens proved the highlight of an otherwise very grim start to the New Year on the match fishing circuit, writes JEFF HERBERT.

Artic conditions resulted in the Tees frozen solid bank to bank. Likewise the Rivers Wear and Ouse had no chance of fixtures going ahead while all the local stillwaters were laden with several inches of ice and better suited to skating than fishing.

The final outcome saw just three matches go ahead around the region.

The River Ure was in peak form on Sunday producing a sensational catch of 73.10.0 during a sell out Ripon Piscatorials Open.

Tickets were like gold dust as the majority of venues were unfishable and 80 rods lined the banks between Hutton Beck to Barn Island.

Kevin Moore of Marsh Tackle kicked off 2002 with a bang after pulling out fancied peg 217, 4 below Hutton Beck confluence.

Working the waggler and maggot over to farside willows an early chub was safely despatched into the keepnet but it was nearly two hours before continuous caster feeding enticed the shoal into a real 'Ripon' frenzy.

From then on it was 'chub heaven' with Kevin bringing in 23 specimens in all for a grand finale.

Hopes were quickly dashed for Knaresborough's Graham Burnham who was relegated to runner up spot despite heaving 48.8.0 onto the scales; a weight on any other day which would have been more than enough for victory.

Pegged on the gravels opposite Sharows Bell Bank Graham suffered a blank first and last hour but a patient approach in between paid off collecting 32 chub but of a smaller stamp than the winner to stickfloat and caster tactics.

Best of the rest came Graham Skirrey of Turners Tackle. Fishing opposite Myers Hole and edging wasp grub through on a waggler rig brought nine good chub for 23.15.0.

Others in the frame: Malcolm Britton (Harrogate) 9.4.0; Kevin McLoughlin (Marsh Tackle) 8.10.0.

Swale tributary Cod Beck's record was under threat during an action packed Thirsk AC Open when Darlington Angling Centre's Jimmy Messer hammered home 32.10.0.

Drawn above Dalton road bridge nearside willows held a big chub shoal and Jimmy located them straight out in front at the top of his peg. Stickfloat and caster resulted in 19 adding six more to bomb and bread.

Ferryhill's Mark Shadforth followed from Griswaite Farm Top. Bomb and double caster tempted 19 chub for another excellent beck weight of 23.14.0.

Next Peter Close of Darlington Angling Centre sat above Mark but had to settle for 17 small samples for 14.4.0 to stickfloat and caster holding off Martin Dukes of Thirsk on 14.0.0 from Eddie McEvoy Boroughbridge Musketeers 11.6.0 and RSPS regular Kevin Weighell on 9.15.0.

Quality grayling averaging around the pound mark showed for some during Richmond Angling Society's New Year Trophy on the Upper Swale at Broken Brea.

Pegged upstream of Skeeby Beckmouth at Brompton Martin Chapman netted eight for a level 8.0.0. Stickfloat and maggot made for 5 while the others accepted caster.

Peter Gamblin's three fish tally for 3.6.0 beat Adrian Lee on 2.2.0.

Following foot and mouth restrictions the Middle Swale match length has just reopened after North Yorkshire finally got the all clear.

Matchmen will be delighted to know that Middlesbrough Angling Club will be running their first open event for 12 months.

The Gatenby to Baldersby Sections could spring a few surprises after the long 'lay off' and quality chub will be the prime target.

200 pegs are available for the Zetland Trophy set for Saturday the 19 of January 2002.

For bookings contact Anglers Choice on 01642 / 899288. Note entries close Friday evening (18th) at 5.30 p.m.

The River Swale Preservation Society 2002 Team Masters on the River Swale will go ahead on Saturday, February 16.

Team Captains are asked to contact Jim Taylor on 01287 / 660288 as soon as possible.

Fixtures

Tomorrow: *Woodland Lakes Open - tel: 01845 526110.

Sunday: *Yorkshire WL (Round 5) River Ouse at Fulford and Middlethorpe. *NYSD Federation Darlington Angling Centre Trophy Middle Tees - Over Dinsdale. Tickets from Don McMaster on 01325 262082. *Tadcaster APA Open (60 pegs) River Wharfe at Smaws Ings. Tickets from Bob Barker on 01937 / 832972. *Idle & Thackley AA Open River Swale at Maunby. Tickets from Barry Simpson on 01274 / 618569. *Yarm AA Teams Fund Open Lower Tees at Yarm. *Woodland Lakes Open. *Thornaby AA Robert Buttery Memorial Middle Tees Croft to Hurworth. *Oaks Sessay Open Maple Lake