THE temperatures can't exactly be classed as comfortable at the moment but the slightly lighter nights and the emergence of a watery sun has started to whet the appetite for the forthcoming sunshine days when fishing really comes into it's own.

It is probably appropriate then to inform the match fraternity of the 'National Diary' for 2001.

Events start on Tuesday July 3 with the North West Disabled match taking place on the Sankey Canal. The Headquarters will be the Roster Cabaret Club on Liverpool Road, Warrington and tickets can be obtained from Ernie Swindells on 01204 706658.

Other notable dates are: July 7: Embassy Division 4 match on the Basingstoke Canal, HQ Wavell School, Farnborough; July 14: Sensas Cadet Junior Intermediate on Sibsey Trader and Hobhole Drains in Boston, HQ Peter Payne Sports Centre, Boston; July 28 (Provisional): Embassy Ladies match, Stainforth and Keaby Canal at Thorne. HQ Thornesians Rugby Club;

August 11: National Disabled match on the Sankey Canal. HQ TBA; August 15: Embassy Veterans match on Leeds Liverpool Canal, Wigan HQ TBA; August 18: Embassy Division 5 match on River Trent HQ Newark Showground; September 8: Embassy Division 3 match, Stainforth & Keaby and New Junction Canals. HQ Stainforth Greyhound Stadium;

September 22: Embassy Division 2 match on Grand Union Canal at Milton Keynes. HQ Statonbury Campus; September 29: Embassy Division 1 match on Great Ouse and River Cam HQ Newmarket July Race Course.

qIf you have any angling match news, ring Glyn Kateley on 01204 439623. John's luck turns for Doe Hey win

ENDS John Eastwood in action in the Sunday Open at Doe Hey A GOOD turn out of 19 made last Sunday's Open on Doe Hey into a competitive affair and a few new faces made the frame.

It was a bitter sweet match for John Eastwood who won in the end but only after losing a tench and then a section of his pole.

The Walkden Angling Centre man fished bronze maggot on the pole and caught small silver fish before landing a recently stocked tench of around four pounds that boosted his weight to 6lbs-3ozs. His day was made however when a club member returned his pole section which John had given up for lost.

Second was visitor Dave Dobson of Royal Ashton, who also caught a new tench in his 5lbs-14ozs. Fellow team member Steve Taylor was third with 5lbs-13ozs.

Sections: 'A' John Hanley (Royal Ashton) and Paul Johnston (Bolton Rivers) both 4lbs-13ozs. 'B' Rowland Stansfield (Bolton Rivers) 3lbs-8ozs. To fish the matches ring Bob Fearnhead on 0161 799 4242. Andrew tops

at Boathouse qSUNDAY'S Boathouse match at Walkden attracted 14 anglers most of whom fished bloodworm and joker.

Match organiser Andrew Pearcey of Deane Anglers came out on top with skimmers, crusians and roach making up his 7lbs-14ozs weight. Second was Kenny Entwisle of Little Lever Anglers, who caught mainly skimmers for 5lbs-15ozs. Third was unattached Harry McCoy with 4lbs-13ozs. To fish the matches ring Andrew on 01204 436267.

qTHE attendance dropped on Sunday when Saturday's Open on Rumworth Reservoir was put back 24 hours because of the frost.

Organiser Paul Swift made it pay with yet another win on his favourite water when he returned an all-perch bag of 3lbs-15ozs from peg 33. The Bolton Angling Centre member fished tip with bronze maggot.

Royal Ashton angler Mick Whelan was second with a two pound perch in his finishing weight of 3lbs-10ozs. Terry Crosby (Team USA) was third with 3lbs-9ozs whilst Dave Hughes was fourth with an all roach bag of 3lbs-0ozs.

ENDS Fly dressing night THERE will be another Hands-on Fly Dressing Evening at St Matthews Church house, Little Lever next Wednesday, February 23 hosted by the West Lancashire Branch of the Fly Dressers Guild. Intriguely titled 'Getting Down', Alan Bithell demonstrates methods of weighting flies.

For further information telephone Edward Steele-Wilson on 01204 701998.