The Lasham Glider vs. Power Team Match

A bright start to the day boded well for a good comp but a poor forecast for Sunday precipitated a decision to attempt for both programmes on the one day. The good weather brought a couple of early power arrivals anxious for a spot of practice. Ed Cyster arrived at sparrow fart and got in a quick slot before the airfield was awake. They were surely awake after that. He was closely followed by Paul Brice who was returning to an old stamping ground at Lasham, being a long time glider pilot.

The practice period went well and briefing started at noon. Unfortunately, David Jenkins was absent due to a fuel leak, but being a kind fellow I gave him a personal briefing and let him fly when he made it in shortly afterwards. The comp got off shortly after 1300 but by this time convection had given us a cloud-base of about 2,700 and so the glider pilots had to fly splits. The power guys were very patient as I had decided to complete by pairs so they had some hanging around.

The known was completed by 1600?ish and a couple of surprise results with both our beloved chairman and Gerald Cooper succumbing to Maz Makari and Paul Conran respectively. Unfortunately, these were the only glider pilots to score, so, after a short break we went into unknowns at 2-5. With only about two hours daylight left we were fortunate to have convection stopping and clouds at 4,200 so full programmes were started and went well until the last two pairings. Horror of horrors, clouds again down to 3,700ft and no time for splits. Adam Hoskin and Dave Morgan sportingly agreed to go and got round within the reduced height.

Gerald regained face by taking his point for the unknown but Alan was again foiled by Maz who had a clear round, and Pat Greer managed to claw one back from David Jenkins. Once again though, it was only 2 for the gliders for an overall 4-10, which wasn?t bad considering we were scratching around to find some glider pilots who could draw breath and were willing to fly. This isn?t to knock any of those pilots, however, as everybody flew safely and had a Good Time, which is what it is all about.

Medals for the known went 1 David Thomson, 2 Phil Burgess and 3 Maz Makari. The unknown was 1 Paul Brice, 2 David Thomson and 3 Phil Burgess. The Baldwin Trophy was unfortunately with its donor, who was having it buffed up and was expecting to present on the Sunday afternoon, but it goes for the Power Team to David Thomson, who flew consistently well in both programmes. He obviously knows that?s the way to win. (We will get it to you!)

Thanks to Ben Ellis and his Team of Steve Green and Pik Kuechler who had travelled from Switzerland, to the assistants, to Sara Turner for handling the scoring, and especially to Colin Watt, the Lasham CFI for entrusting me with his airfield, and all the Lasham people who showed support in one way or another. Finally, as ever, to Jude, without whom I would be in the corner gibbering.