The Ashford in the Water cricket ground is often the most challenging venue of the year for competition casting and this event lived up to that. The very light breeze seemed to blow from all angles at the same time, with often the caster and the marker reporting that it was blowing in completely opposite directions. It was great to see the return of the B100 competition which has been missing of late due to lack of competitors – well done to Don for winning this. Thanks to all those who entered and help run the comp events and to John Reynolds for his virtual entries. As always the following results are in feet and inches:

#5 Trout Distance: Nick Moore 123.05; James Evans 114.01; Mike Heritage 108.02; Stewart Ross 106.05; Tracy Thomas 104.07; Don Stazicker 88.04; Stephen Lindley 83.00; Ian Crook 82.04.

#7 Trout Distance: Nick Moore 123.00; James Evans 113.11; Stewart Ross 109.09; Tracy Thomas 108.06; Don Stazicker 87.06; Ian Crook 78.03; Stephen Lindley 77.11.

Virtual entry: John Reynolds 112.09

B100 (#5 + #7): Don Stazicker 175.10; Stephen Lindley 160.11; Ian Crook 160.07.

ST27: James Evans 134.00; Stewart Ross 121.01; Nick Moore 119.01; Tracy Thomas 105.08; Stephen Lindley 102.00 ; Don Stazicker 98.00; Ian Crook 91.03.

Virtual Entry: John Reynolds 143.02

S55: James Evans 154.11; Ian Crook 147.11; Nick Moore 134.06; Tracy Thomas 133.02; Stewart Ross 129.09.

Virtual Entry: John Reynolds 154.00

T38: James Evans 172.00; Nick Moore 159.08; Don Stazicker 143.04; Tracy Thomas 129.05; Stewart Ross 126.06; Stephen Lindley 123.00; Ian Crook 122.07.

Virtual Entry: John Reynolds 168.01

T120: James Evans 187.09; Tracy Thomas 169.05; Stewart Ross 169.03; Ian Crook 159.04; Nick Moore 144.01.

Accuracy (points): Nick Moore 42; Tracy Thomas 41; James Evans 41; Mike Heritage 38; Stewart Ross 28; Ian Crook 9.

Overall event (percentage): 1st James Evans 682.23; 2nd Nick Moore 645.27; 3rd Tracy Thomas 600.17.

The first BFCC competition was a very quiet affair with only 4 people competing in the distance events plus an extra 2 braving the accuracy. Thanks to those who are still trying to keep casting sport alive, including Jose in Spain for his virtual entry. The glorious sunshine and very light winds made for a very pleasant day albeit a tough one for the distance casters. Whenever the forecast is for just a gentle breeze we know that at Willesborough the direction is going to be very variable. This was countered by setting out two tapes at an angle which the caster had the choice to cast along according to the wind at the time. We also allowed casters to call a ‘time-out’ when the breeze swung to blowing in from the rod side – this was only possible due to the low numbers competing. As per the usual agenda the accuracy event was cast first followed by the ‘heavy’ gear – the S55, T38 and T120. After a short lunch break the #5, #7 and ST27 were cast. This event also saw the introduction of a percentage system for determining the overall winner as opposed to adding the positions. With 7 events the maximum score possible is 700%. As always the following results are in feet and inches:

#5 Trout Distance: James Evans 120.01; Mick Copeman 114.02; Tracy Thomas 105.10; Howard Bishop 105.00.

Virtual entry: Jose Nieto 129.03

#7 Trout Distance: James Evans 141.00; Howard Bishop 121.00; Tracy Thomas 112.00; Mick Copeman 111.08.

Virtual entry: Jose Nieto 131.11

ST27: James Evans 161.00; Tracy Thomas 142.04; Mick Copeman 131.05; Howard Bishop 130.00.

S55: James Evans 172.07; Mick Copeman 138.05; Tracy Thomas 135.06; Howard Bishop 131.08.

T38: James Evans 164.00; Howard Bishop 148.00; Mick Copeman 124.06; Tracy Thomas 116.09.

T120: James Evans 184.02; Howard Bishop 159.03; Tracy Thomas 155.03; Mick Copeman 130.04.

Accuracy (points): Tracy Thomas 45; James Evans 44; Howard Bishop 38; Mick Copeman 32; Mike Heritage 30; Tony Ryan 8.

Overall event (percentage): 1st James Evans 697.78; 2nd Howard Bishop 591.34; 3rd Tracy Thomas 588.76.

Records*: Tracy extended her S50 and Overall accuracy record and Mick claimed the vacant V80 record in the same event. Well done both.