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.

I don’t know whether we were unlucky with the weather or not at this event. The competition was a complete wind lottery with a very light breeze swinging in all directions, including headwinds. That said, the next day we had horizontal torrential rain, so perhaps the fact we managed to complete a full programme meant we got lucky on the day. Many thanks to the Jersey fly fishers for hosting us and to all those who entered and help run the comp events. Thanks to Jose for his virtual support also. As always the following results are in feet and inches:

#5 Trout Distance: Mike Heritage 114.00; James Evans 108.01; Ross Bannerman 105.00; Kevin White 102.03; Tracy Thomas 86.03; Steve Olsen 85.11; Greig Brown 74.00; Luke Kilwin 69.01

Virtual entry: Jose Nieto 126.02

#7 Trout Distance: James Evans 111.02; Ross Bannerman 110.01; Kevin White 109.08; Mike Heritage 101.08; Tracy Thomas 100.10; Steve Olsen 91.07; Greig Brown 87.04.

Virtual entry: Jose Nieto 128.07

B100 (#5 + #7): Steve Olsen 177.06; Greig Brown 161.04; Luke Kilwin 69.01

ST27: James Evans 155.06; Ross Bannerman 134.00; Mike Heritage 133.10; Kevin White 131.09; Steve Olsen 131.09; Tracy Thomas 131.02; Greig Brown 118.01; Luke Kilwin 89.09.

S55: James Evans 170.02; Ross Bannerman 162.11; Steve Olsen 162.01; Tracy Thomas 140.08; Greig Brown 127.05; Luke Kilwin 119.02; Kevin White 115.11; Bob McGinnigle 90.01

T38: Ross Bannerman 163.03; James Evans 156.02; Kevin White 151.10; Steve Olsen 142.08; Greig Brown 132.02; Tracy Thomas 125.05; Luke Kilwin 72.00

T120: James Evans 201.07; Ross Bannerman 174.03; Steve Olsen 161.07; Tracy Thomas 148.05; Greig Brown 146.06; Kevin White 145.00; Luke Kilwin 125.07.

Accuracy (points): Mike Heritage 43; James Evans 40; Ross Bannerman 38; Kevin White 34; Tracy Thomas 32; Steve Olsen 16; Luke Kilwin 7; Greig Brown 7; Bob McGinnigle 4.

Overall event (percentage): 1st James Evans 683.47; 2nd Ross Bannerman 647.89; 3rd Kevin White 583.86.

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.