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RAFCAA (COARSE) TEAM MANAGER’S UPDATE TO THE RAFCAA (COARSE) ANGLING SUB- COMMITTEE. REPORT PERIOD 19 JUN 06 – 29 NOV 06

Following a successful start to the season, the RAF Squad has had a good Summer and Autumn with some extremely credible results on both the Military and Civilian stage. The Squad spirit has grown and grown with an enormous amount of commitment and passion being shown recently in our first attempt at the Angling Times Winter League at Castle Ashby.

Squad Selection

The Team Manager and Captain will meet on 03 Dec 06 to select the RAF Squad for the 2007 season. To date, we have received 21 nominations from extremely capable anglers from whom we will pick a team of 16 with 2 reserves. [webmaster's note - now selected and listed on the site]

RESULTS

Division 1 National – 12 Aug 06

The largest Squad turn out in many years was seen as 20 individuals fought it out for the 10 places available to fish this prestigious event. Despite a gruelling week of practice, in some terrible weather conditions, we where unable to produce the goods on the day partially due to some unforgiving draws. Finishing 22 overall, we truly felt we had been robbed after such an extensive week of practice.

Euro Challenge – 11-16 Sep 06

The annual pilgrimage to the continent was made in Sep to participate in the European Military Angling championships. Looking to defend our title for the 3rd year, we saw the European hosts take a slightly different tack by taking us to a commercial venue!! After 10 minutes of practice, we realised that it would be a bit different to the venues found in the UK as the fish averaged 9lb and regularly went up to 20lb. Adopting a splasher waggler approach, we dominated the first day and quite possibly went into day 2 a little complacent. The Belgians fought back in impressive style beating us outright on the second day. Luckily, we had done enough on day 1 and took the title for the 3rd year running, meaning we could get to keep the actual trophy that is almost as big as our bank runner FS Al Dyer. Individual honours went to our very own Sgt Steve Hutter who managed the magic 100lb barrier on 2 consecutive days.

Services National – 28 Sep 06

Organised by the police, this was a new Teams of 6 event that saw us compete on the Stainforth canal against all the other “Services” in the country. With no practice put in, the Team finished a credible 5th.

4 Services- 11 Oct 06

With a Squad strong hold from the Wyton area making up the Team, the result on the Old Nene was never in doubt as the eight-man team finished well ahead of the rest of the field.

Jeffries cup – 01 Nov 06

Returning to the Old Nene at Benick our Team of 4 anglers again finished well clear of the field. Sgt Steve Hutter continued his form by taking the individual runners up spot.

Old Lags

Ending his 1st year as a RAF Squad member on a high, FS AL Dyer took 17 lb of roach from the in form River Wensum in Norwich to win this ever-popular event. With most anglers catching well over 10lb, a fine day was had by all with the RAF coming out on top with 195lb to the Old lags 150lb.

Castle Ashby Winter League

This is the 1st year in RAF Squad history that the decision was taken to participate in a Winter League. This venue was selected as being the most “central” for the Squad. Despite this, some 8500 miles were logged by the 10-man Squad who attended the venue every other Sunday during Oct and Nov. Fishing against the likes of Kamasan Starlets who have 4 England Internationals amongst their ranks has been a great experience. Despite finishing outside of the qualifying zone, (top 2 Teams) we are set to finish third with 1 round to go. The league has a whole has been extremely tight with 2-3 points separating the major players most weeks. Team success came in round 4 for us where we achieved the highest round score so far this winter. In addition, individual success has fallen to both Flt Lt Rich Tomala and Cpl Steve Perham who won round 2 and 4 respectively. The event has been a great success and despite some long distance travelling and noteworthy commitment, we have had a good reception by the other teams who certainly consider us a threat for the future.

FUTURE EVENTS

Overseas Challenge - Apr 07

Initial planning is well under way for this annual event. Next year will see a welcome return of the Royal Navy after a 2-year absence. The RAF will be sending 2 Teams consisting of Squad and Committee members. At this early stage, it is anticipated that the new venue fished last year will be used again along with Zalk lake and the River Ijjssel.

Sponsorship

We have negotiated a deal to retain our Trabucco sponsorship through the new UK distributors, Masterline. Although carrying a reduced stock range, early orders have been received in quick time, much to the delight of the current Squad.

R J TOMALA
Flt Lt
Team Manager