REECE Birch, from Chilton Trinity School, has taken first place at the Under-17s coarse fishing match on Lily Pond, at Summerhayes Lakes, Bridgwater.

His total weight was just short of 10lb.

He said: “I’ve done loads of the adult matches but I always lose so I’m pleased I won the match.”

Second place came to newcomer Jamie, from Haygrove, who fished a long pole to put together a consistent and good mixed bag from a fairly featureless swim – total weight 6lb 10oz.

Third place went to Jordan, from Elmwood.