RAFCAA (COARSE) TEAM MANAGER’S UPDATE TO THE RAFCAA (COARSE) ANGLING SUB- COMMITTEE. REPORT PERIOD 1 SEP – 29 NOV 04

During the reporting period, a formal handover of Squad Management to myself from Sqn Ldr Nick Barling was planned. Unfortunately, due to back-to-back Detachments followed by a short notice posting I was unable to complete the handover before Sqn Ldr Barling departed to the USA. As a result, Sgt Dusty Kiddell was nominated as “Caretaker” Manager to organise the remaining matches whilst I studied the Team Managers files and moved my family to RAF Cranwell.

As a result of the informal handover, accurate results of the matches we have attended since 01 Sep 04 are yet to be compiled, however, the following is an outline of the Squad activity for the reporting period:

Team Competitions and Results

The Turner 400.

Fished on the River Thames at Radcot on the 4 Sep 04, we entered just 1 Team of 4 anglers into this prestigious Southern event that still attracts a 200 strong entry. Although suffering as a Team, largely due to lack of practice against local Teams, Individual honours went to our very own big fish man Pete Dawson who finished with a pleasurable 19lb of Chub

The Thames Championships.

Although we originally decided to fish this event, only 20 Teams had confirmed with days to go before the event due to the poor Team weight in the Turner 400. As a result, it was decided we would not enter a Team this year. We are proposing Regionalised RAF representation for next year’s event.

The European Military Angling Championships.

For a variety of reasons, including high financial costs and Management changeover, the RAF Squad withdrew from this overseas event for 2004. With only 3 teams (18 Personnel) actually attending and a backbone Team of the event “France” announcing their permanent withdrawal, the future of the event looks in jeopardy. The Squad is currently undecided of its intentions to enter the event in the future. More information on our intentions will be provided at the next Committee meeting.

The Eastern Region Shield.

Fished on the River Cam on the 2 Oct 04, the Team of 8 anglers bore witness to a shocking event as a member of an opposing team was savagely attacked with an axe before the start of the match. Although several Teams withdraw, the RAF decided it was safe enough to stay and finished a credible 9th out of 28 Teams. Craig Shaw was our highest scorer finishing 2nd in his section. Whilst this event has brought into question the safety of Angling, we intend to target this large event next year holding practice and selection sessions prior to the event. We may even opt for a 2-team entry.

The 5 Services.

This event returned once again to Woodlands view in Droitwich and gave the Management the opportunity to take a look at a few new faces. The original plan was to fish a Squad team of 8 anglers and a 2nd Invitation Team. However, it was decided to mix up both Teams and enjoy the event rather than to solely attack it to win. Both teams failed to impact but the objective of fishing a few new faces was achieved. Next year, we will return to a full Squad Team and invite a 2dry Team if appropriate.

The Jeffries Cup.

Fished on the Old Nene at March on the 22 Oct 04, the RAF fielded 4 Teams of 4 anglers that included Regionalised anglers. Whilst failing to impact as a Team, Individual 3rd went to Dusty Kiddell with an excellent 23lb of Tench and Roach.

The RAF v Old Lags.

The final match of the season ended with victory for the Team of 16 anglers on the River Wenson at Norwich. An average of 10lb a man was knocked up in this Annual event that also saw Dusty Kiddel take top honours with 16 lb roach. 5-6 new faces also joined the line up for the match.

Other news

Squad News.

With the season now over and the large shake up in the Management chain, I have decided to pick the Squad for the 2005 early. The Management committee will announce the Squad at the Start of Dec 04. I have received 30 nominations, which include a large mix of existing squad members, past members and new faces. Our aim will be to pick a Squad of 20 Anglers. We will endeavour to keep the “Team Ethos” as our main goal whilst striving to win every event we enter by practicing harder than we have ever done before.

Overseas Challenge 2005

Organisation for next years overseas Challenge is nearly complete. 6 Teams have confirmed with Trabucco having until the 14 Dec 04 to confirm their entry.

Flt Lt R J TOMALA
Team Manager RAFCAA (Coarse)