Where is support from York?

Encouraging signs then that the decline in attendances has turned a corner?

Well not really. Of the total entry I counted six anglers from the York area.

Add to this around another dozen or so who were probably York book holders and the fact that it was the opening match in the Yorkshire Water Rivercare series and you can see that had the contest been a members only event another cancellation would have been likely.

Is making all matches open contests the answer then.

I am in no doubt that this would see a slight increase in the numbers of bums on boxes but what effect will this have on year book sales?

I know that the York committee received some interesting, if inconclusive, feedback from their tackle shop questionnaire. It will be interesting to see what changes are implemented next season. Float only contests, afternoon - evening matches; more events below York; stillwater matches have all been suggested.

My only hope is that the suggested abandonment of events such as the Overton and Dispensary Cups is not the outcome.

Away from the doom and gloom it looks as though this week's event, the Tower Trophy, should draw a decent crowd, despite being a members only contest.

With the winter league campaigns now looming over the autumnal horizon many anglers will be keen to renew their acquaintances with the Ouse below York.

Last weekend saw the Nomads tackling Middlethorpe and Donkley Woods to good effect. Along with the obligatory skimmers encouraging numbers of both roach and perch were caught.

This story was repeated in the Leeds event at Thorpe Underwood where plenty of roach were also on show.

It looks like it could well be a good winter ahead.

Weekend bookings

Saturday

Donkey Woods - York RI

Paradise Farm - Transco

Sunday

Widdington - Pudsey

Beningbrough Park - New Earswick

Overton Top - Whiterose

All Below York - Tower Trophy

Howsham Barnfield - Tang Hall

Paradise Farm - YAA