Guilsborough was a new venue for the BFCC which was made a success by people attending for tuition and entering the comps – many thanks to all those who came. The weather on the day could be best described as oppressively hot, with high humidity and little to nothing in the way of a consistent breeze. As such making long casts in all the distance categories was about as tough as it gets. The competition events kicked off with the accuracy and proceeded on to the T38, S55 and T120. After a short break, and a re-direction of the casting court, the day concluded with the #5, #7 and ST27 events. As always the following results are in feet and inches:

#5 Trout Distance: Nick Moore 122.00; Kei Okamoto 117.10; John Reynolds 116.08; James Evans 116.05; Chris Avery 107.04; Howard Bishop 106.01; Andrew Bagshaw 104.09; Edward Brassey 102.08; Rich Ticehurst 99.11; John Macartney 97.00 ; Tracy Thomas 96.01; Allen Betts 45.00

#7 Trout Distance: Nick Moore 136.06; Howard Bishop 128.02; Andrew Bagshaw 120.06; John Reynolds 119.11; James Evans 117.00; Chris Avery 116.09; Kei Okamoto 113.06; Edward Brassey 106.10; Rich Ticehurst 101.10; John Macartney 87.05

B100 (#5 + #7): Edward Brassey 209.06; Rich Ticehurst 201.09; John Macartney 184.05

ST27: James Evans 141.05; Kei Okamoto 138.02; John Reynolds 130.01; Andrew Bagshaw 129.02; Nick Moore 125.04; Tracy Thomas 123.06; Howard Bishop 123.00; Chris Avery 122.00; Edward Brassey 121.10; John Macartney 110.04; Rich Ticehurst 107.04

S55: John Reynolds 168.02; Tracy Thomas 163.08; Chris Avery 163.01; Andrew Bagshaw 158.11; James Evans 157.03; Howard Bishop 149.00; Kei Okamoto 147.11; Rich Ticehurst 142.02

T38: James Evans 156.05; Rich Ticehurst 152.06; John Reynolds 145.07; Kei Okamoto 145.04; Howard Bishop 135.01; Andrew Bagshaw 129.04; Tracy Thomas 127.10; Chris Avery 107.02

T120: James Evans 185.01; Chris Avery 174.01; Kei Okamoto 167.01; John Reynolds 157.01; Rich Ticehurst 155.02; Howard Bishop 145.01; Tracy Thomas 144.02; Andrew Bagshaw 141.09

Accuracy (points): James Evans 55; Kei Okamoto 47; John Reynolds 45; Tracy Thomas 44; Howard Bishop 30; Rich Ticehurst 26; Nick Moore 26; Andrew Bagshaw 7; Adrian Forsell 6

Overall event (percentage): 1st James Evans 674.57; 2nd John Reynolds 634.51; 3rd Kei Okamoto 633.16

Senior (65+) Overall: 1st John Reynolds 634.51; 2nd Howard Bishop 576.31

The weather forecast for the first BFCC event of the year was not great and perhaps this put off some potential attendees. On the day though, apart from maybe five minutes of light rain, the pitch remained dry. The wind was supposed to start light and then strengthen, however the accuracy discipline was cast in a stiff breeze which then proceeded to disappear when it was really wanted for the S55, T38 and T120 outfits. After a leisurely lunch break the wind re-appeared for the afternoons #5, #7 and ST27 competitions. As always the following results are in feet and inches:

#5 Trout Distance: James Evans 137.02; Nick Moore 134.07; Steve Parkes 125.01; Tracy Thomas 124.06*; Howard Bishop 115.01; Stewart Ross 112.11; Chris Avery 109.07.

#7 Trout Distance: Howard Bishop 134.01*; Steve Parkes 133.04; Nick Moore 132.05; James Evans 126.06; Chris Avery 120.07; Stewart Ross 118.04; Tracy Thomas 116.01.

ST27: James Evans 169.05; Steve Parkes 152.02; Nick Moore 151.03; Tracy Thomas 141.03; Stewart Ross 141.02; Chris Avery 139.08; Howard Bishop 129.06.

S55: James Evans 183.02; Stewart Ross 169.01; Howard Bishop 165.02; Tracy Thomas 160.07; Steve Parkes 156.08; Nick Moore 154.04

T38: James Evans 163.05; Steve Parkes 149.05; Nick Moore 149.01; Howard Bishop 142.10; Stewart Ross 137.08; Tracy Thomas 131.01.

T120: James Evans 200.04; Steve Parkes 193.07; Stewart Ross 188.04; Chris Avery 184.05; Howard Bishop 164.05; Tracy Thomas 164.00 ; Nick Moore 147.00.

Accuracy (points): James Evans 47; Tracy Thomas 46; Nick Moore 40; Steve Parkes 27; Howard Bishop 20; Stewart Ross 13; Chris Avery 12.

Overall event (percentage): 1st James Evans 694.07; 2nd Nick Moore 619.87; 3rd Steve Parkes 611.09

Senior (65+) Overall: 1st Howard Bishop 562.16; 2nd Stewart Ross 551.40

*Records: Tracy extended her overall (and S50) women’s #5 trout distance record. Howard Bishop beat the S(60) #7 trout distance record. Well done to both.

With the tail end of storm Amy sweeping across the country, the high winds were anticipated to result in some big distances especially with the heavy,shooting-head, gear. However, nothing could have been further from the truth as the wind in Brentwood proved to be extremely turbulent, often pushing the flags, which were only a matter of 20 yards apart, to point in completely different directions. Seemingly good loops just wouldn’t hold their shape and often crashed with the leader going in one direction and the line in another. The competition started with an extremely tough accuracy event and continued with the #5, #7 and ST27. After a short lunch break the T120, S55 and T38 were then cast in the afternoon. Many thanks to the casters who braved the conditions, especially to Ross and Kevin who flew over from Jersey to compete and to all those who have supported the BFCC over the course of the year. As always the following results are in feet and inches:

#5 Trout Distance: James Evans 127.11; Ross Bannerman 124.09; John Reynolds 123.11; Mike Heritage 119.00; Kevin White 117.11; Andy Bagshaw 115.01; Tracy Thomas 107.08; Tim Pottage 104.00; Howard Bishop 102.10; Marcus Robson 94.07; Dominic Hewitt 82.00; Neil Potts 60.00.

#7 Trout Distance: Andy Bagshaw 138.08; Mike Heritage 138.02; James Evans 132.00; Howard Bishop 128.07; Ross Bannerman 127.02; John Reynolds 121.04; Kevin White 118.10; Tracy Thomas 112.10; Marcus Robson 111.01; Tim Pottage 103.00; Dominic Hewitt 95.06; Neil Potts 69.00.

ST27: James Evans 164.04; Ross Bannerman 154.02; John Reynolds 144.08; Kevin White 143.10; Tracy Thomas 142.06; Howard Bishop 136.00; Andy Bagshaw 133.00; Tim Pottage 128.08; Mike Heritage 122.05; Marcus Robson 117.06; Dominic Hewitt 90.10.

S55: James Evans 201.02; Ross Bannerman 167.01; Tracy Thomas 164.10; Andy Bagshaw 160.08; John Reynolds 156.02; Mike Heritage 155.05; Howard Bishop 154.09; Kevin White 151.04; Dominic Hewitt 118.10; Chris Avery 118.08.

T38: John Reynolds 173.05; James Evans 167.08; Mike Heritage 155.05; Kevin White 154.08; Ross Bannerman 149.03; Andy Bagshaw 147.08; Tracy Thomas 138.11; Howard Bishop 136.11; Dominic Hewitt 131.07; Chris Avery 116.08.

T120: James Evans 221.00; John Reynolds 191.08; Tracy Thomas 176.01; Howard Bishop 172.03; Mike Heritage 169.08; Chris Avery 166.06; Ross Bannerman 166.03; Andy Bagshaw 150.10; Kevin White 150.00; Dominic Hewitt 141.00.

Accuracy (points): Ross Bannerman 40; John Reynolds 38; James Evans 27; Tracy Thomas 25; Dominic Hewitt 25; Howard Bishop 24; Mike Heritage 24; Kevin White 23; Neil Potts 15; Andy Bagshaw 14.

Overall event (percentage): 1st James Evans 659.65; 2nd John Reynolds 631.42; 3rd Ross Bannerman 627.83

Given the horrendous weather forecast for the weekend the casters were glad for having just one minor interruption to the casting competitions for rain. Although there was a fairly consistent wind the air felt ‘heavy’ and casters agreed that the lines were not shooting as far as they expected. The casting order started with the accuracy then T120, S55 and T38, then the ST27, #7 and #5 were cast later in the afternoon. As always the following results are in feet and inches:

#5 Trout Distance: James Evans 139.00*; Ross Bannerman 132.02; Steve Olsen 121.02; Tracy Thomas 119.05; Kevin White 109.07; Michael Peterson 100.00; Greig Brown 87.00.

#7 Trout Distance: James Evans 141.06; Steve Olsen 138.09; Ross Bannerman 134.07; Kevin White 134.00; Tracy Thomas 131.01*; Michael Peterson 106.08; Greig Brown 97.10.

ST27: James Evans 181.09*; Steve Olsen 154.00; Tracy Thomas 150.11; Ross Bannerman 144.03; Kevin White 139.10; Greig Brown 130.02; Michael Peterson 128.06.

S55: James Evans 223.00; Ross Bannerman 180.07; Tracy Thomas 168.08; Steve Olsen 156.08; Michael Peterson 156.00; Kevin White 141.01; Greig Brown 139.05.

T38: James Evans 178.03; Ross Bannerman 172.10; Steve Olsen 162.02; Tracy Thomas 145.07; Greig Brown 143.09; Kevin White 136.09.

T120: James Evans 221.06; Steve Olsen 212.11; Tracy Thomas 188.01; Greig Brown 177.00; Ross Bannerman 171.05; Kevin White 139.00.

Accuracy (points): Kevin White 46; Ross Bannerman 40; Tracy Thomas 33; James Evans 17; Rob Laverty 17; Steve Olsen 17; Bob McGinnigle 13; Greig Brown 11.

Overall event (percentage): 1st James Evans 636.96; 2nd Ross Bannerman 611.31; 3rd Tracy Thomas 575.06

*Records: James beat the overall ST27 record and extended his S50 best in the #5. Tracy beat her own overall record in the #7.

The cricket ground in Ashford in the Water is notoriously difficult to cast on being situated in a bit of a bowl where the wind is unpredictably swirly. As such the casters were allowed to have two tapes to cast down and could swap between them within their allotted time. The casting order started with the accuracy then T120, S55 and T38, then the ST27, #7 and #5 were cast in the afternoon. As always the following results are in feet and inches:

#5 Trout Distance: Nick Moore 127.04; James Evans 122.09; Tracy Thomas 115.09; Stewart Ross 107.05; Mike Heritage 105.06; Chris Avery 93.03

#7 Trout Distance: James Evans 138.09; Nick Moore 122.06; Mike Heritage 120.11; Stewart Ross 119.06; Chris Avery 118.11; Tracy Thomas 114.08

ST27: James Evans 149.11; Stewart Ross 143.02; Nick Moore 135.01; Tracy Thomas 128.10; Chris Avery 118.01; Mike Heritage 117.06

S55: James Evans 182.02; Chris Avery 168.07; Tracy Thomas 165.10; Stewart Ross 165.08; Nick Moore 156.02; Mike Heritage 151.05

T38: James Evans 167.11; Stewart Ross 159.11; Nick Moore 159.02; Mike Heritage 152.10; Tracy Thomas 132.06; Chris Avery 117.03

T120: James Evans 212.10; Mike Heritage 194.01; Stewart Ross 176.09; Chris Avery 170.06; Nick Moore 164.00; Tracy Thomas 159.06

Accuracy (points): Nick Moore 42; Tracy Thomas 41; James Evans 38; Chris Avery 23; Stewart Ross 20; Mike Heritage 18; Peter Blair 17

Overall event (percentage): 1st James Evans 686.58; 2nd Nick Moore 637.13; 3rd Tracy Thomas 601.46

The weather at Dodleston was almost perfect for distance casting, a steady wind blew all day and the casters took advantage of this setting a number of records. Luckily there was only one short, light shower of rain in the afternoon session which didn’t interrupt the competition. The casting order started with the accuracy then T38, T120 and S55, then the #5, #7 and ST27 were cast in the afternoon. As always the following results are in feet and inches:

#5 Trout Distance: Nick Moore 139.06*; Steve Parkes 124.11; Andrew Bagshaw 119.04; James Evans 119.00; Tracy Thomas 113.04; Howard Bishop 109.04; Marcus Robson 108.04; Stewart Ross 97.10

#7 Trout Distance: Nick Moore 141.05; James Evans 134.09; Andrew Bagshaw 134.06; Steve Parkes 131.07; Howard Bishop 123.10; Marcus Robson 119.01; Stewart Ross 112.05; Tracy Thomas 111.08

ST27: James Evans 159.05; Stewart Ross 158.01; Tracy Thomas 155.11*; Nick Moore 152.00; Steve Parkes 151.06; Stuart Tod 151.02; Andrew Bagshaw 144.11; Marcus Robson 134.09; Howard Bishop 127.03

S55: Steve Parkes 232.10*; James Evans 220.07; Stuart Tod 204.10*; Stewart Ross 198.06; Tracy Thomas 194.05*; Nick Moore 173.08; Andrew Bagshaw 168.11; Howard Bishop 159.10

T38: Andrew Bagshaw 176.07; Nick Moore 175.07; Stuart Tod 174.03; Steve Parkes 170.11; Stewart Ross 163.01; Tracy Thomas 157.10*; James Evans 157.03; Howard Bishop 147.11

T120: Steve Parkes 235.09; James Evans 212.10; Stuart Tod 202.05; Stewart Ross 178.11; Tracy Thomas 178.06; Nick Moore 170.10; Andrew Bagshaw 167.00; Howard Bishop 158.03

Accuracy (points): Nick Moore 53; James Evans 51; Tracy Thomas 46; Steve Parkes 36; Howard Bishop 32; Stuart Tod 28; Stewart Ross 25; Ian Lord 21; Andrew Bagshaw 18

Overall event (percentage): 1st James Evans 651.09; 2nd Nick Moore 641.93; 3rd Steve Parkes 641.69

*Records: Nick Moore broke the overall #5 record. Tracy Thomas extended her overall records in the ST27 and S55 as well as improving her T38 (S50) best. Steve Parkes beat the overall record in the S55 and Stuart Tod beat the senior (60+) record in the same event. Well done to all.

Thankfully the heavy rain in Willesborough blew through overnight and the casting day was completely sunny and dry. There was a breeze that seemed consistent in strength but not direction, so the casters had to deal with the line being blown into them at times. Many thanks to Lasse in Denmark for his virtual entries with both his right and left hands (in sympathy with James who is having to cast left handed). As always the following results are in feet and inches:

#5 Trout Distance: Mike Heritage 121.10; Howard Bishop 118.00; Marcus Robson 116.08; Tracy Thomas 114.00; John Reynolds 103.02; James Evans 94.10; Dominic Hewitt 94.05; Simon Horsley 66.10

Virtual #5 Trout Distance: Lasse Karlsson (right) 122.08, Lasse Karlsson (left) 97.05

#7 Trout Distance: Marcus Robson 125.00; Mike Heritage 123.10; John Reynolds 119.02; Howard Bishop 112.06; Tracy Thomas 111.10; Dominic Hewitt 107.03; James Evans 98.10; Simon Horsley 72.04

Virtual #7 Trout Distance: Lasse Karlsson (right) 130.07, Lasse Karlsson (left) 108.03

ST27: Tracy Thomas 149.02*; Mike Heritage 133.00; James Evans 132.02; John Reynolds 130.08; Marcus Robson 129.01; Howard Bishop 128.06; Dominic Hewitt 114.04

Virtual ST27: Lasse Karlsson (right) 149.07, Lasse Karlsson (left) 130.07

S55: James Evans 180.09; Mike Heritage 168.01; John Reynolds 164.09; Tracy Thomas 157.00; Howard Bishop 146.03; Dominic Hewitt 140.03

T38: John Reynolds 170.07; Howard Bishop 155.10; Mike Heritage 147.50; James Evans 144.04; Dominic Hewitt 133.06; Tracy Thomas 123.04

Virtual T38: Lasse Karlsson (right) 172.03, Lasse Karlsson (left) 140.01

T120: James Evans 211.08; Mike Heritage 185.06; John Reynolds 181.07; Howard Bishop 154.11; Dominic Hewitt 154.11; Tracy Thomas 142.11

Accuracy (points): Tracy Thomas 46; John Reynolds 31; Howard Bishop 25; Mike Heritage 15; Dominic Hewitt 14; Simon Horsley 3

Overall event (percentage): 1st John Reynolds 611.87; 2nd Tracy Thomas 609.87; 3rd Mike Heritage 588.03

*Records: Tracy Thomas extended her women’s overall (and S50) best in the ST27

The first BFCC day of the year was thankfully dry apart from one very short rain shower, much better than the forecast earlier in the week had predicted. A small, but dedicated, group of casters chose which events to cast in,competing one at a time due to the reduced turn out. The wind was light but generally consistent, although some swirling was noted as the back casts approached the club house. As always the following results are in feet and inches:

#5 Trout Distance: Mike Heritage 122.04; Howard Bishop 118.07; Tracy Thomas 117.08; Nick Moore 116.11; Stuart Tod 95.07; James Evans 95.01; David Green 85.07.

#7 Trout Distance: Mike Heritage 133.10; Nick Moore 127.11; Howard Bishop 123.00; Tracy Thomas 118.01; David Green 112.04; James Evans 104.06; Stuart Tod 102.02.

ST27: Tracy Thomas 133.08; Howard Bishop 131.07; Stuart Tod 116.01; David Green 109.00.

S55: James Evans 188.06; Stuart Tod 174.10; Mike Heritage 161.00; Tracy Thomas 159.11; Howard Bishop 150.05.

T38: Stuart Tod 160.10; Howard Bishop 142.11; Tracy Thomas 128.00.

T120: Stuart Tod 205.01; Howard Bishop 167.05; Mike Heritage 162.08; Tracy Thomas 160.00.

Accuracy (points): Mike Heritage 33; Stuart Tod 33; Tracy Thomas 27; Howard Bishop 24; Vince Brandon 20; Tony Wills 1.

Overall event (percentage): 1st Stuart Todd 634.30; 2nd Howard Bishop 610.41; 3rd Tracy Thomas 609.02

A number of competition casters met for the re-scheduled Dodleston event as a finale to the BFCC casting season. With the forecast for showers developing into steady rain later on, the casters were keen to get the event underway and finished before they got a soaking. As such all seven events were conducted in double quick time, finishing just before a heavy downpour. The wind for the distance events was distinctly patchy but thankfully when it did blow, albeit lightly, it was in a consistent direction. As always the following results are in feet and inches:

#5 Trout Distance: James Evans 121.06; Nick Moore 114.04; Steve Parkes 113.01; Andrew Bagshaw 105.11; Marcus Robson 103.06; Stewart Ross 101.03.

#7 Trout Distance: James Evans 125.01; Andrew Bagshaw 122.10; Steve Parkes 115.05; Nick Moore 113.01; Stewart Ross 109.01; Marcus Robson 107.06.

ST27: James Evans 149.04; Steve Parkes 138.02; Andrew Bagshaw 137.10; Nick Moore 129.06; Stewart Ross 123.11; Stuart Tod 116.09.

S55: Steve Parkes 189.09; James Evans 177.06; Andrew Bagshaw 161.07; Stuart Tod 159.03; Stewart Ross 153.02; Nick Moore 133.10.

T38: James Evans 166.09; Stuart Tod 158.05; Steve Parkes 142.09; Nick Moore 134.02; Andrew Bagshaw 131.07; Stewart Ross 129.07.

T120: Stuart Tod 203.03; James Evans 194.00; Steve Parkes 177.03; Stewart Ross 170.11; Nick Moore 134.02; Andrew Bagshaw 132.03.

Accuracy (points): James Evans 52; Steve Parkes 37; Nick Moore 34; Tracy Thomas 28; Stuart Tod 24; Stewart Ross 22; Andrew Bagshaw 13.

Overall event (percentage): 1st James Evans 689.19; 2nd Steve Parkes 621.89; 3rd Nick Moore 553.67.

The casters at the final full BFCC event of the year couldn’t have asked for better weather, warm enough for casting in just a T-shirt and with a relatively consistent easterly breeze. Due to issues with running a full calendar of events this year, it was decided to make this event a one-off shoot-out for the championship (rather than the best two results counting as in previous years). A big ‘thank you’ must go to Rickard who travelled over from Sweden specifically to compete. Also many thanks to all the competitors over the course of the year. As always the following results are in feet and inches:

#5 Trout Distance: Rickard Gustafsson 127.09; Mike Heritage 125.06*; James Evans 124.01; Tracy Thomas 118.00; Howard Bishop 116.00; Mick Copeman 112.00; Steve Murray 84.04.

#7 Trout Distance: Rickard Gustafsson 135.05; Mike Heritage 129.03; James Evans 128.04; Howard Bishop 122.02; Tracy Thomas 118.05; Mick Copeman 113.06*.

ST27: James Evans 152.03; Mike Heritage 146.10; Rickard Gustafsson 144.03; Mick Copeman 135.00; Tracy Thomas 131.01; Howard Bishop 118.07.

S55: Rickard Gustafsson 190.10; James Evans 187.00; Mike Heritage 172.10; Tracy Thomas 164.07; Mick Copeman 158.11; Howard Bishop 149.07; Peter Jarvis 146.01.

T38: James Evans 180.10; Rickard Gustafsson 162.07; Mike Heritage 146.11; Howard Bishop 138.02; Peter Jarvis 137.07; Mick Copeman 136.05; Tracy Thomas 135.10.

T120: James Evans 221.01; Mike Heritage 197.07*; Rickard Gustafsson 195.06; Howard Bishop 174.08; Peter Jarvis 167.02; Tracy Thomas 156.05.

Accuracy (points): James Evans 64*; Tracy Thomas 49*; Peter Jarvis 34; Mike Heritage 33; Howard Bishop 33; Mick Copeman 27; Rickard Gustafsson 27.

Overall event (percentage): 1st James Evans 690.76; 2nd Rickard Gustafsson 615.17; 3rd Mike Heritage 602.43.

*Records: James Evans beat the overall and S50 Accuracy record. Tracy Thomas also extended her Overall and S50 Accuracy Record. Mike Heritage beat the V70 #5 trout distance record as well as extending his V70 best in the T120. Mick Copeman extended his V80 record in #7 Trout Distance.