ONCE more beneath the mighty stands of Old Trafford's 'Theatre of Dreams' a titanic struggle took place between teams whose minds were set on great finals.

One team realised their glory, the other must now concentrate on the league.

The action this time though did not take place on the pitch but on the Kraft arm of the Bridgewater Canal which runs behind MUFC's home ground.

Two local teams were in the final match of the Drennen Super League and both had a chance of reaching the final early next season.

For Keenets North West (formerly Tri-Cast Highfield), it was almost a formality having led the league for most of the summer all it needed was a decent show on waters they could almost call home.

Although second on the day behind Gas Wise Liverpool, the overall aggregate points established ensured first place by 42 points over the second team.

Team Captain Mark Addy was quick to praise team member Albert Malcomson who finished in second place on the day with 10lbs-11ozs-10drs.

Disappointed Bolton-based team BAS 2000 were hoping to be second but the Liverpool lads just edged them out of the final by 16 points.

A UNIQUE marathon fishing session takes place next weekend as the carp fishers of Smiths Reservoir have been allowed a relaxation of the night angling ban enabling them to fish a continuous 48 hour charity event.

It is hoped to raise more than £700 towards the Childrens Intensive Care Ward of Bolton Royal Hospital, this in appreciation after the care they gave one of the members sons who fell ill from meningitis.

There could be a few nocturnal surprises in store as the water holds the current Lancashire carp record of 36lbs. Anyone wishing to donate to the event can do so by contacting Wayne Hamer on 0161 764 8499.

Little Lever are currently holding second place in the aggregate of the North West Winter League against some excellent competition.

Last weeks match was held on the Sankey St Helens Canal and on the day they finished joint third with GTI Gold behind Team Eclipse and Saints. Watch out for Vinnie Smiths new look TriCast Highfield as they are coming up fast on the rails.

In the Lancashire Winter League Albert Malcomson (Keenets NW) added to his super weekend by taking the match with 6lbs-10ozs-0drs. Second was Carl Lowe (BAS 2000).

THE West Lancashire Branch of the Fly Dressers Guild hold another demonstration on Wednesday next with the theme 'The Philosophy of Efficient, Practical Fly Dressing' - The points to be demonstrated is that most of the fish catching process is accomplished at the fly dressing bench. The meeting commences at 7.30pm at St. Mathews Church House, Market Street, Little Lever.

BAD weather could not dampen the spirits nor stop the questions in last weekends sucessful Junior Teach-in held on Jumbles Reservoir as part of the 'Mersey Basin Weekend'.

The youngsters were treated to some top notch advice as well as having hands on tuition.

Bolton and District Anglers Association organised the event.

The association wish to thank Martin of Bolton Angling Centre and Harold from Glassbrooks Tackle shop in Radcliffe for donations of bait etc.

BOLTONS MATCH SCENE

Over Hulton AC aggregate match - Horns Dam, Gnarseborough, 08/10/00 15 members went in search of big carp on newly opened water but the big fish weigh net was not needed on a day when only the small silver fish showed an interest.

Weights are usually better but with peg fees of only £3 it was comperable to canal prices but in the height of the season this represents very good value for money as big bags can be caught.

Those that did frame however might have had light weights but they finished up with heavy wallets because the pools were £15 each and ounce for ounce the fish were expensive!

1st Tony Sharples 2-4-0., 2nd Darren Hanley 0-15-0., Jnt 3rd Tony Hardman and D Cooper 0-11-0., Sections:- 'A' Jim Luby 0-10-0., 'B' Mick Hayes and Eddie Speakman 0-8-0 each.

Farnworth Anglers Open Match - Dixon Green Reservoir, 08/10/00 A 2lbs-10ozs bream was incidental in Stuart Tomkins win as his only other fish was enough to win him the match by a mile.

Stuarts 11lbs-10oz. carp was taken on the tip with red maggot from peg 21. The 17 other anglers had to hope for a bonus fish.

1st Stuart Tomkins (Unattached) 14-4-0., 2nd Alan Platt (Bolton Angling Centre) 3-1-0., 3rd Bob Fernhead (Worsley Angling Centre) 1-4-0

Club Matches Bradshaw Hall No 4 Lake - Decent weights continue to show despite the drop in tempretures those in the know can still tempt weights of 50 lbs plus.

Lowhills AC 07/10/00 - 1st Russell Bates 31-14-0., 2nd Martin Blackborough 29-14-0., 3rd Dave Horner 28-6-0., 4th John Fisher 27-13-0.

Wednesday Open 04/10/00 - 1st Paul Slee (Maceys) 67-0-0., 2nd Kevin Dyak (Bradshaw) 55-8-0., 3rd Paul Fernley (BAC) 36-8-0., 4th Hazel Taylor (Bradshaw) 19-0-0., 5th John Wooley (Tin Pots) 13-0-0.