Combined Services 2007 Grafham
SERVICES FLY FISHING CHAMPIONSHIP
2007
MATCH REPORT – GRAFHAM WATER
The first of hopefully a great many more Services Fly Fishing Championships took place on Grafham Water on Tuesday 5th June 2007. Six teams competed in the event and came from the length and breadth of the United
Kingdom.
The following services were represented:
Police,
Fire & Rescue Service,
Army (Soldier Palmers),
Royal Navy & Royal Marines,
Civil Service (Combined North- West)
and the Prison Service.
Grafham Water had a strong 15mph Northeast wind blowing across the water towards the harbour at Perry, with a bright sky above. Conditions were favourable for a good days fishing, but it was not going to be easy.
After the initial meet and greet at the Lodge, where rules were discussed over coffee, it was agreed that the match would be fished to International Rules. Adhering to the Confederation of English Fly Fishers, “Boat Competitions Rules”. The only exception to these rules was a slightly larger fly than normal, though not weighted would be permitted. This concession was given, as some anglers had never fished this style of competition before and were short on competition sized flies.
Calum Fraser (Secretary for Police Sport UK Fly Fishing Section) provided the briefing, where he advised anglers of the rules of the day and covered the health and safety requirements. He then wished them a safe and successful day’s fishing.
The match commenced at 9.30 a.m. an eight fish limit was set.
It was noted however that some anglers were not proficient in the use of outboard motors but after initial teething problems, all anglers departed for the day’s fishing.
The three Officials for the day, Calum Fraser, Julian Laybourn (Police) and Jim North (Civil Service) were slow to join the main group of anglers having a further coffee before heading out onto the water; they maintained this relaxed attitude by not interfering with the competitors too much throughout the day.
It became apparent that the main concentration of anglers was from Cove’s Point out into the deep; G Buoy and the Dam Wall. A number of bent rods were seen throughout the morning as anglers found the fish and the depth.
Hennery McCormack (Civil Service) standing and Mark Rose (Soldier Palmer) find shelter in Rectory Bay.
Kev Wood (Soldier Palmer) with his red cap on surveys the water around him, with his boat partner Alan Pearce (Prison Service) both desperately seeking their last fish, both anglers bagged up around 4.15pm.
Early indications suggested that the Soldier Palmers (Army Team) were doing particularly well as a number were wearing their traditional red caps, which apparently are donned after a catch of four fish. (It is of note that for next year, the police team will be distributing red caps to all in order to cause confusion!)
Although anglers were advised at the end of the match, that the method the Army Team used was a DI 5 and washing line, the real secret may well never really be known!!
The weigh-in, many by that stage knew that the Soldier Palmers had won the event outright, the question was… who came second?
Calum Fraser working at the computer to ensure the accurate recording of results
The presentation of prizes and medals took place at the Wheatsheaf Public Inn, where a barbecue had been provided for the competitors.
Following results;
Army Team 47 fish 99lb 02oz (Bonus 16lb 08oz) Total 115lb 10oz
Royal Navy Team 25 fish 51lb 10oz No Bonus Total 51lb 10oz
Police Team 22 fish 47lb 04oz No Bonus Total 47lb 04oz
Prison Service 16 fish 29lb 06oz (Bonus 2lb 0oz) Total 31lb 08oz
Fire & Rescue 09 fish 17lb 11oz No Bonus Total 17lb 11oz
Civil Service 08 fish 16lb 06oz No Bonus Total 16lb 06oz
Mark Jones (Soldier Palmers), here being presented by Jim North (black top) Secretary for the Civil Service Angling Section. Mark was the Top Rod on the day with 8 fish at 17lb 09oz with a (10lb bonus).
The winning Army Team (Soldier Palmers), with John Hardy centre holding the cup, Jim North Sec. for the Civil Service Angling Section who presented the prizes immediately on his right getting in on the act, surrounded by the other victorious team members.
The Best Bag of 19lb 10oz and Biggest Fish of the day a Rainbow of 3lb 7oz, was caught by Jim Douglas (Soldier Palmer). It is of note that a two of Brown Trout were caught each weighing 2lb, these were landed by Mick Cartlidge (Police Team) & Alan Mundy (Royal Navy).
In all a very successful event, with more teams from different Services anticipated next year.
Tight Lines
Calum Fraser
Secretary/Treasurer
Police Sport UK
Fly Fishing Section
Hennery McCormack (Civil Service) standing and Mark Rose (Soldier Palmer) find shelter in Rectory Bay.
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