WITH two matches down and two to go, 12 year-old Matt Grindle is blazing the trail in Lydney and District Angling Club's Summer Aggregate competition.

Matt, son of club chairman Paul Grindle, was a picture of concentration as he fished intently throughout a five hour competition at Lydney's Boating Lake on Saturday. His efforts paid off brilliantly and he ended his stint with a big catch of mainly bream.

They weighed in at an impressive 36lbs 14oz to give Matt second place – just 3lbs behind the winner.

Added to the second place he achieved in the opening competition, Matt's points total puts him in the driving seat at the halfway stage.

"He always beats me," admitted dad, Paul.

Top weight was achieved by Chris Peters who caught an impressive 40lb bag of bream.

Third place went to Chris Hoare who was in great form and landed over 34lbs of fish including a top class tench.

Paul Grindle said the competition somehow missed Saturday's downpours. "There was not a drop of rain. The Lake fished very well and everyone caught fish, mainly bream," he said.

The Lake's reputation as being home to some super heavyweight carp has yet to be seriously tested this year.

"The record is 41lbs but I think that could be beaten. Most of the specimen fishermen do not start until early autumn and at this time of year and in competition fishing the catch is mainly bream," he said.