Championships Report

With the Carp anglers now a sub section within the coarse section, their choice of venue for 2009 meant this year would see the RN and RM AA venture into Wales for the annual Championships. With several lakes available at Celtic Resort Lakes, near Lampeter, adequate room for the carp anglers on Lake 6 and coarse anglers on Lakes 4 and 5 ensured a relatively full venue.

Saturday 12 September saw only 18 anglers line the banks of Lakes 4 and 5, however the results were outstanding!! For a change. No fewer than six 100lb weights were recorded; PO Martin "Dodge" Duan (HMS HERON) was first with 157lb 2oz. I think this may be a record for the Championships, although this was a six hour match. Nick White (Associate) was second on the day with 146lb 8oz, Kev Lund (Associate) was third with 140lb 6oz; which as he stated afterwards was his best days fishing ever and his new personal best.

The other 100lb weights were: WO1 Pete Edwards (HMS COLLINGWOOD) with 131lb 12oz (another PB), PO Chris Yates (HMS ST. ALBANS) weighed in 126lb 13 oz, finally AET John Gaylard (HMS HERON) with 101lb 4oz. Dodges' winning weight in 6 hours was only just eclipsed by one of the carp anglers who fished for 48 hours and weighed in around 162lb. The average weight was just over 77lb per man. A mixed team of HMS HERON and associates won the day in the team event with a point's score of 17.

Day 2 of the Championships on Sunday 13 September was contested on the top lake at Springwater Lakes; this was extremely convenient as this was also the location of the campsite. A normal match of 5 hours duration saw only 16 lining the banks, as Chris Yates was recalled to fix a problem on his ship, his travelling partner also returned to Portsmouth on Saturday night. The weights of the previous day would not be repeated as the venue, although well stocked with fish, was not capable of the same returns.

However Nick White did his best and weighed in 64lb 14oz for an easy win. PO Al "Scouse" Jones (HMS ASTUTE) was second with 48lb 5oz and John Gaylard was third with 28lb 13oz. HMS HERON/Associates also won day 2 with a point's score of 18. Despite some good weights at the head of the list, the backing weights were low.

The weather throughout the four days was superb, although the nights were cold. The campsite was very good and worth a visit if you consider a trip to S. Wales. As a campsite resident, you can fish for only £4, better value then Celtic Resort lakes at £15!!, although you will catch well at Celtic. The university town of Lampeter, although small, provided a pleasant distraction from the fishing and the Black Lion served some good food.

Please see above for the full team, individual and section results.