The Royal Engineers win again

The Royal Engineer Angling Association held their annual 48 hr Corps selection match over the period of the 28 Apr – 1 May 14. This is to select the strongest possible team for the upcoming Grudge Match against the Royal Artillery.
The match was held at Oak Lakes Fisheries in Southminster, Essex. The fishery is a day ticket and syndicate venue in the heart of Essex. It boasts a good head of carp and silver fish, with the biggest carp approaching 30lbs. Mark, Kevin, Paul and Mick the fishery owners are great admirers of The Armed Forces and are kind enough to allow us to fish this venue free of charge once a year, this being our second year!

The day started with welcome briefs and all anglers were paired for the event. Swims were determined by a watercraft draw and enjoyed a social with the BBQ before the fishing got underway.
On completing a very successful match with 40 fish being caught over the 48hrs from 6lb to the biggest weighing just under 20lb. This water proved to be hard going at times but all still produced fish. With Lcpl Dave Payne wading in to save a snagged fish caught on old line, this was far from an ordinary match.
The match was eventually won by Sgt Jase Strickland and Sgt Jonny Crouch with a total weight of 94lb 05oz with L/Cpl Dan Partridge and L/Cpl Dave Payne close behind with 89lb 02oz.