Nisa Feeder League leader Karl Redgrave has sights on King of the Yare crown

Max Samuel shows off a 31lb 12oz common taken from Swangey Lakes. Picture: Max Samuel (Image: Archant)

In more down to earth terminology, he heads the Nisa Feeder League with an aggregate of 173lb 6oz, thanks to his round seven total of 28lbs 14oz from a somewhat subdued tidal River Yare on Saturday.

The 49-year-old Harleston sales engineer, who competes under the Angling Direct banner, drew peg 102 adjacent to the swim where Suffolk's Phil Duise-Smith won his first important event with 43lb 4oz seven days previously.

But he was pipped at the post by Angling Direct's Doug Botley who netted 30lb from peg 145.

Discussing his favourable prospects of lifting the prestigious King of Yare title Redgrave said: 'I have enjoyed the first seven rounds among the bream in this exciting tournament and if the river conditions continue to favour feeder fishing I believe I will have every chance of winning this competition.'

Botley, 61, an Essex building company manager who does not yet feature among the top six, agrees.

'This was my first victory this season on this fabulous river, but Karl Redgrave is listed as the man to beat over the next seven rounds – but I cannot see that happening despite the scoring system allowing poor results to be discarded.'

That spot-on analysis is confirmed by the current league table where low catches are yet to be discounted.

Paul Hudson in second place, almost 20lb adrift with 156lb 13oz. Then comes Steve Kindleysides on 149lb 3oz followed by Simon Newman with 140lb 4oz.

League boss Andy Wilson-Sutter judged hefty weights of fish could appear from almost any peg on the river – there are that many fish along the match venue this season.

'The fact that five of the top six anglers on Saturday were section winners illustrates how this River Yare is angling's equivalent of a level playing field.

'There could be some major blots on the form book during the final seven rounds. The trophy is not won yet.'

Round eight will be staged on August 12 after the Keith Ford Memorial this weekend and the three-day festival, running on August 8, 9 and 10.

For details of the events call 07790 572729.

While the event on the River Thurne at Cold Harbour was won by Richard Watson (Ipswich) with 21lb 13oz the focus was on the Barford Fishery, which hosts a four-day festival from August 11–14.

Catches were headed by Paul Ashford (match lake) 96lb 6oz; Matt Wiles (Railway lake) 117lb 13oz, Bob Gill (Pleasure lake) 95lb 6oz.

Bridge Farm winner was Paul Baglietto (Kevs) 190lb 12oz, Wicklewood's best was Sam Hawks (Townsend) 124lb 2oz; Jan Boughton (West Vale) topped Reepham with 158lb 7oz while Richard Bond (Matrix) and Rick Ashwell (Fab Trade) both headed Cross Drove results with over 100lb.

Dereham's best at Bartles Lodge was Richard Rackham with 103lb 8oz, Ian Bailey topped the Dukes with 102lb 2oz at Holly Farm and Kevin Clarke (M/B) 141lb 1oz Mill Farm.

Great news from the upper River Bure – Chris Chambers, who was canoeing with family, spotted vast shoals of small to medium roach, from Mayton Bridge to Horstead.