THERE was a surprise in the latest Coldstone AC match on the Somerton stretch of the Oxford Canal when a zander of about a pound was caught by Garry Didcock.

Zander, a cross between a pike and a perch, are plentiful in midland and northern rivers, particularly the Fens, and occasional fish turn up in the Thames, but a canal fish is unusual.

Fish up to double figures have been caught from the canal in the north of the county around Cropredy, and they appear to be heading south, because a 2lb fish was reportedly caught from the stretch around Thrupp recently.

Gary’s fish took chopped worm.

Barry Barnes topped the 11-strong field, weighing in 10.6.0 of perch to a pound and a half and roach to a pound on pole and maggot or pinkie.

Pete Upton was runner-up with 8.12.0, mainly roach on squat and pinkie, followed by Brian Ballard with a mixed net of roach, perch, dace and gudgeon for 7.0.0.

There was a bonus for the five teams or ten fishing Sunday’s fifth round of the Oxford Winter League on the Kennet and Avon Canal at Avington – there were no boats!

It was closed to boat traffic due to a lack of water, which has left it very low.

The feature pegs again took centre stage, with big perch and skimmer bream again dominating all the top weights.

The ever-constent Paul Passmore (Turners Tackle) finished top of the pile with 15.12.0 of perch to 2lb and skimmers to a 1lb, all taken on worm on the pole.

Teammate Martin Kirk had a similar bag of perch and skimmers on pole and worm for 13.8.0 and second, while third-placed Micky Ellyatt (Drennan GOT Baits) had 12.4.0 of perch on worm and roach on bloodworm.

On the team front, Drennan GOT Baits recorded a comfortable win with 41 points, followed by Sensas A4 on 36 points and Turners with 28.

With one round to go on the same venue, Drennan lead the way with eight points, followed by Sensas A4 on ten and Turners on 11.

Roger Smith needed only two fish to take the honours in the latest Cuddesdon Mill VAA match on the Thame at Chislehampton.

He caught a chub of 4.7.0 and a 2.2.0 perch, both on legered worm, to top the 18-man field with 6.9.0.

Three small chub gave Phillip Almond second place with 2.4.0, followed by Geoff Ring with 1.10.0 of bits.

There was a good turn-out of 20 for the Kidlington AS Bustin Challenge Cup on the Cherwell at Branson’s Bridge, but for most it was a struggle and weights were low.

Terry Lester won with 5.1.0 of perch, followed by Barry Smith with 4.8.0 and Dave Britnell with 2.12.0.

Points after 14 matches: J Bean 97, T Lester 86, H Clarke 67, D Britnell 54, G Cuss 53.

Kidlington are staging a Christmas match on December 18, drawing at Green Road SC. Book in with Terry Lester (tel 07855 589312).

Beehive AC kicked off their series of silver fish matches at Cheney Manor, where the wind made fishing very difficult for the 13 anglers.

Steve Ferris won with 11.4.0 of roach and perch on maggot.

Kevin Jeacock had all-roach catch on pole and caster for 8.10.0, and third was Chris Dingle with 7.3.0 roach and perch on pole and maggot.

Jeacock took the Beehive Cup over five legs.

OTHER RESULTS Dorchester AC: (Club match, Glebe Lake, 9 fished) 1 W Cave 24.4.0 (carp & bits on pole), 2 A Brooker 19.14.0, 3 D Mitchell 16.3.0.

Wallingford Jolly Anglers: (Club match, town waters at Wallingford, 9 fished) 1 P Ansell 8.6.0 (3 chub, maggot-feeder), 2 F Butler 3.12.0, 3 L Edmonds 1.12.0.