COMPETITORS in the North West Association of Sea Angling Clubs' annual Personal Members Christmas Match at Seacombe Promenade faced the challenge of a strong easterly wind blowing across the Mersey Estuary combined with a strong tide run.

Seacombe Promenade had been fishing well but the fish, mainly whiting and dabs, came on the feed only sporadically.

Gavin Parker, pegged between the Town Hall steps and the Guinea Gap, presented sand eels, mackerel and black lug on boom rigs to great effect for a festive win on his home venue with a bag of whiting and dabs.

In line with recent tradition, the anglers retired to the Seacombe Ferry pub, where there were prizes for all.

RESULTS: 1, Gavin Parker (Wallasey), 5-5-8, 7 whiting, 6 dabs; 2, Norman Duckers (Birkenhead), 3-9-4, 6 whiting, 1 dab; 3, Kenny Carr (Wallasey), 3-9-0, 5 whiting, 3 dabs; 4, Gordon Thornes (Connah's Quay), 3-4-8; 5, Jimmy Kelly (Thingwall), 3-3-8; 6, Phil Cooper (Wallasey), 3-2-8.

Roundfish Pool: J. Kelly, codling, 2-4-12. Flatfish Pool: Dave Evans (Tranmere), flounder, 0-11-4.