York angler Dave Brettell narrowly missed out on the biggest prize in angling after a nail-biting match.

The live televised Fishomania drew the usual crowds to Doncaster's Hayfield fishery and the massed galleries were not left disappointed as the lead changed several times during the contest.

At the halfway stage Brettell was in second place, trailing Phil Ringer by 4kg.

A change in wind direction saw a dramatic turn of events with anglers on the opposite side of the lake to Brettell bagging towards the end.

Steve Jackson sneaked through to pick up the mighty £25,000 cheque with 37kg 610g. Phil Ringer took second with 32.650 with Brettell in third on 31.530.

Entries are sneaking up on the Wharfe at Tadcaster where 48 contested this week's open competition fished on Smaws Ings.

Peg two featured in the frame again but this time the noted flier had a few surprises in store as it was bream and not the usual barbel that showed.

Billy Riley (Tadcaster) used a caster feeder to tempt four slabs for his 21lb 14oz which was more than enough for victory despite him packing up half an hour early.

At the next peg downstream Barbara Jeffries (Armley Angling) found a couple of stray bream for her 8lb 3oz.

Others: Pete Hyde (Airborough) 6-8-0; Keith Mottram (Airborough) 6-7-0; Steve Messenger (Fetherstone) 5-6-0; Ian Cooke (Armley Angling) and Roy Laycock (Leeds) both 4-0-0.

Both of this week's events at the Woodlands complex drew sell out entries proving that there are some beneficiaries of the lingering foot and mouth crisis in North Yorkshire.

Saturday saw Alan Barker (Miracle Baits) top the 70 entry with a level 47lb drawn on Skylark 22. He fished pellet at three and five metres to edge ahead of a crowded frame with carp, tench, chub, bream and barbel.

Less than a tiny pastie separated the next three with Vince O Conner (Elton Tackle) having a 7lb mirror carp to thank for his lofty placing. Drawn on Skylark two he used meat and cat food at three and seven metres for his all carp 44lb 6oz.

Others: Mick Phillips (MAP Elton) 44-3-0; Paul McBrinn (Normark) 44-2-0; Keith Kotchie (MAP Elton) 42-15-0; John McGarill (MAP Elton) 42-6-0.

Updated: 12:30 Wednesday, August 08, 2001