"Team not Individual"

The RNRMAA was the host for this year's competition held at Plymouth in May. As we won this match quite convincingly last year from the RAF (2nd) Army (3rd), it was decided to try our hand again using one of our home venues as an advantage, the team this year consisted of 5 new boat caps.

We knew from the onset that it was going to be a difficult match this year, the new anglers in the team had held their own during the practice day on the reef but found it difficult the following day when inside the harbour. Some of their equipment was not really suitable for scratching around the sound. In fact on the practice day in the harbour they struggled to find the fish and got soaked in the process.

The captains meeting this year was held onboard HMS Ocean and Tom Worthy and Paddy Duncan represented the RNRMAA. The usual exchange of information and debating of the rules went on until all three captains were happy. The days of squabbling and heated arguments are now long gone (at last) and courteousness over a glass of wine dear chap is now the norm. I like to call this friendly rivalry.

The weather was a major factor to me as this would decide whether we could have a chance on the reef or die in the harbour. A nice swell on the reef would also be advantageous to us if we could get out. As it turned out the weather got worse and even the drop off proved too rough. The harbour it was, with howling winds and driving rain to boot, I knew we were in trouble.

Day one was to prove me right, the team found it hard to get into the harbour fish and only the more experienced anglers got over 100 points. The Army had got it right; a strong team with loads of match experience were lead by a good skipper and managed to lead the field by about 200 points. The RAF proved better than us and still had the Army within their grasp and all to play for on day two. A female also formed part of the Army team; Chrissie Proudfoot came 2nd on her boat and gave our lads a right lesson in pheromone fishing.

Day Two was another wet and windy day. The lads went out in high spirits knowing that we could not win but to try and enjoy ourselves…..in the rain. A lot of improvement in the RNRM team saw us as the only team to improve and beat our previous day's points. This has to be a good sign and an improvement showed that the team character and strength showed in the end…….yep even in the rain. The scores on the doors are irrelevant really, but if anyone wants them send me an email and I will forward them on.

The Army were deservedly the winning team this year and I know that all RNRMAA members congratulate them. Budgie the Army captain scored the most individual points of all anglers participating and was awarded the Army individual trophy. Unlucky were the RAF as they fought a close run battle on day two and were not that far behind at the final score. Well done to all members of the RNRMAA, spirits again a credit afore the mast.

Next year the RAF is our hosts and I am lead to believe we will be going to the far flung north ness of Scotland.

Tom