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> Squad updates

Mar 2005
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RAFCAA (COARSE) TEAM MANAGER’S UPDATE TO THE RAFCAA (COARSE) ANGLING SUB- COMMITTEE. REPORT PERIOD 1 MAY 05 – 2 OCT 05

Following a great start to the season with a 1st and 2nd at the Overseas Challenge, the RAF Squad suffered an undeserved disappointing summer despite some hard practice sessions and outstanding Teamwork. Determined to put the minor setbacks behind us, we raised our game to end the Summer Season with a win at the European Military Championships, and subject to confirmation were runners up in the 160 peg Eastern Region Shield yesterday.

Squad Selection

A notable observation is that a large number of the current Squad are due to leave the Service in 2005 or 2006. Combined with the latest round of redundancy announcements, several members of the current Squad will be ineligible for selection in the future. To ensure the continued success of the RAF Squad, emphasis should be placed on League Chairmen to actively encourage their league members, particularly their younger anglers to submit their results to the RAF Squad Selection Committee for consideration.

Team Competitions and Results

Below is an outline of Matches fished this period and future planned fixtures:

Inter-Services - 29 May/1 Jun 05.

Despite the Royal Navy’s best attempts to mess every one around, the event finally took place on Porth Reservoir, Cornwall over bank holiday weekend in May/Jun. Perhaps a little complacent from several previous wins, our Squad of 10 anglers elected to fish a predominantly pole only match. Unfortunately, weather conditions on the day lent itself to feeder tactics chosen by the Army who quite simply ran away with the event. Practice for this event was held to just 2 days, which also did not allow us to explore all eventualities. The RAF finished a disappointing 2nd but held its head high in defeat at the presentation ceremony.

Division 1 National 4/8 +16 Jul 05.

Despite a solid week of practice on the hard grand union canal, our Team of 12 anglers were unable to get the breakthrough we deserved to finish in the top 10. Ending up 22/68 left the team deflated, as the strategy chosen was exactly the same as that employed by the winning teams. Positive points however was a1st RAF Cap for SAC Mike Dalziel who along with other new boy Mark Collinson showed that new members can grace a side if they produce the goods in practice.

Turner 400 – 4 Sep 05.

A Team of 4 anglers fished this annual event on the River Thames at Radcot. Despite a poor Team performance, finishing 19/35, Sgt Steve Hutter ensured we had something to celebrate by finishing 3rd Individually with a weight of 19lb 6 oz. SAC Mike Dalziel was our 2nd best scorer finishing 3/35 in his section.

European Military Angling Championships – 20/25 Sep 05.

A Team of 8 anglers travelled to Mons, Belgium to fish this annual event. Arriving to find the other Teams already practicing “unofficially”, the Team quickly got into action were we hoped our caster fishing skills would come to the fore. Unfortunately, the fish decided they only wanted bloodworm so a quick change to that method was needed. We now would be taking on the Belgians at their own game. Intense practice sessions proved we had a chance where we also worked out the waggler could catch us some stray bream. A tight first match day finished with us just 1 point clear of SHAPE with Belgium in 3rd. On day 2 we simply went into overdrive finishing with 4 section wins and 2 section 2nd’s to finish 6 points clear. Although we just missed out on Individual glory as well, Sgt Tex Sutton finished 2nd with Flt Lt Rich Tomala in 3rd. Whilst delayed invitation and cost breakdown once again cast doubt over the credibility of this potentially prestigious competition the Squad is keen to continue with the event but will be funded individually.

Eastern Region Shied – 1 Oct 05.

A Team of 8 anglers will fished this NFA event at Milton Keynes Lakes Yesterday. Despite the NFA only announcing the venues to be used last weekend, the team took advantage of an end peg draw to finish in a very respectable 2nd place out of 20. Individual achievements were a section win by Sgt Steve Hutter with 3kg and a section 3rd by Sgt Graham Welton who found the Bream on the tip to weigh in 8kg.

5 Services – 6 Oct 05.

Following our defeat at the Inter Services in Jun, a Team of 8 anglers will be looking to put the record straight at Heronbrooke fisheries, Slindon in early Oct. Hopefully, local Squad member Tony Randall will get the Squad up to speed in practice sessions that we have chosen to fish prior to the event.

Jeffries Cup - 2 Nov 05.

The RAF Squad as yet to enter any teams into this event but will be looking to probably have at least 3 teams of 4 anglers participating.

RAF vs. Old Lags - 9 Nov 05.

Hopefully, most of the current Squad will turn out for this end of season match. Current availability looks promising.

Overseas Challenge - Apr 06.

Planning is already underway for next years event with a provisional booking made for 21-28 Apr 06. The Chairman and Team Manager are considering travelling early to the event to scout for alternative venues that may be possibly used in the future.

Sponsorship

Following their dismissal from the Overseas Challenge, Trabucco has remained our sponsor with a healthy working relationship currently in place. We have still had no further contact from Browning/Zebco despite initial contacts looking positive.

R J TOMALA
Flt Lt
Team Manager