RAFCAA/Chair/05/06

Chairman RAFCAA

06 Oct 05

RAFCAA (COARSE) – 2005 SEASON UPDATE

1. Introduction. With the notable exception of the Inter-Services, this year has proved extremely successful for the Coarse angling team, proving once again that we can compete at the highest national (and international) level. We have had a particularly busy summer and autumn, both domestically and for the representative squad, in addition to finding the time to host a ‘Take a Friend Fishing Day’ in conjunction with the sports governing body and the Environment Agency. Our international anglers again represented Wales, at both the World Championships and Home Internationals, with Cpl Perham doing particularly well in winning the second day’s match in the latter held on the Magiscroft fishery in Scotland.

2. European Military Championships. We were in two minds whether to compete in this event in 2005 due to the significant expense incurred to travel and compete, and the fact that the event has devalued in recent years. However, as the holders and the event being held relatively close in Mons, Belgium with some decent opposition we made the decision and entered a very strong team. A day behind the rest from start due to their ‘unofficial practice’, we had to develop and refine a method extremely quickly. Day one of the 2-match itself saw us still learning the intricacies of bloodworm and joker fishing, but the team fished outstandingly well to lead the field by a single point over hosts and local favourites, Belgium. What was learnt on day one was then put to devastating effect on day 2 to finish 6 points clear, and 2 anglers in the top 3 individuals, withy Sgt Sutton finishing 2nd overall and Flt Lt Tomala 3rd. All in all an excellent week's work, although we will continue to keep our options open whether to compete in the future.

3. Eastern Region Shield. Only 1 week later the team was in action again, using mainly different anglers to give the Euro team a break, and indicating the strength in depth of the squad. With the venues only having been announced the previous week, and the team never have seen them, the match was always going to be difficult. However, the squad these days is nothing if not versatile, and they made the best of a favourable draw to finish in 2nd place overall, our best result ever for this competition.

A S CORBETT
Gp Capt
Chairman RAF Coarse Angling