STEVE Bellion battled against gale force winds and a strong challenge from Dave Hodgson to win the Saturday Open at Alvechurch Fisheres.
It looked like being a difficult day for the 16 competitors as strong winds swept across the fisheries, but they rose to the challenge as they all recorded excellent weights.
It also proved to be a close finish at the top, with Bellion (peg 5) edging Hodgson (peg 36) by less than 5lb. This came after he fished two tactics rotating pole and maggots out in front and straight bomb with popped up bread to net stockies and silvers to finish with 65lb 4oz.
This weight was enough to beat Hodgson who fished long pole and pellet over a number of swims to net stockies, skimmers and ide for 60lb 5oz.
Richard Massey (peg 3) came third after fishing pole and dead reds over two swims for a mixed bag to weigh 45lb 7oz, while fourth placed Les Ayres 9peg 34) ended with 40lb 11oz after fishing straight lead tactics and dead reds out in front throughout.
It was a milder day at Thursday Open last week and regular Liam Workman took full advantage as he won with plenty to spare. From peg 24, he fished over a number of lines to net carp up to 7lbs, stockies and skimmers to weigh 62lb 2oz.
He was a convincing winner in the 16-strong field as Ron Taylor (peg 36) came second with 46lb 13oz and Danny Tresigne (peg 7) had to settle with third spot after coming up just short with 45lb 7oz.
Elsewhere, Warren Beech (peg 5) fished two tactics pole and maggot and pellet feeder out in front to net a mixed bag of stockies for 28lb 13oz and secure fourth place.
