Given the year so far, it was quite a pleasant surprise to be briefing Day One with blue sky on full display through the windows - and plant life pointing straight up to signify only a gentle summer breeze to contend with at the resplendent Fenland Airfield.

Enthused by such unusual meteorological conditions, and with a relatively small (but perfectly formed) field of competitors, we ambitiously set off with an idea that matters could be concluded by the end of the day if we got a wiggle on.

Despite the very best efforts of competitors and judging teams alike, each pilot managed to get through two of their three sequences by late afternoon – with a bit too much left to do to leave judges out in the evening sunshine any longer.

This of course meant that the Club fight had been decided.  A full loop where only five-eighths were required gave first blood to James in the Pitts over Adam in the Extra 200.  A very strong comeback by Adam with a second flight score of 77% was almost enough to turn the tide, but in the end James took the honours by just over 3%.   With both pilots getting off to an impressive start in the sport, let’s hope this battle continues through the levels.

The McAully was led from the get-go by Vytautas in the Eagle, with Andy’s Twister fighting a very close second until technical issues forced him to abandon his second flight.   The squabble between the G-EEEK drivers behind saw changing fortunes throughout, leading to a great battle for the other gongs on offer.

A special nod to 15 year old Ross Turner flying H/C in G-EEEK and in only his second competition, scoring over 80% in his first ever unknown flight.  This was enough to guarantee him Silver if his parents had been quicker off the mark starting a family.  A future star to be sure.

The Fenland Trophy quickly became a Clash of the Coningtons, with Adrian and Maciek a clear thirteen percentage points above the rest of the field at the end of Day One - Adrian’s mastery of the mighty new Genpro sneaking him ahead by a tad over 2%.  Dave Farley’s second flight was right up there and would have put him in the hunt had his Free Known gone as well earlier in the day.

We all knew Day Two was looking iffy, and despite getting a solitary Sports pilot airborne and through his sequence late morning, try as we might Plans A through to F failed to win out against an ever-decreasing cloud base.

Sunday afternoon’s presentation therefore went ahead on the basis of Saturday’s flying.  It was an honour to have Ray Nicholson in his final year as Fenland Aero Club President out of the Tower and on hand to present the tableware, along with new catering supremo Kerry.

The job of Contest Director is easy with the help of a dedicated team of judges and assistants (led by Ron Allen), Jen keeping you on track from the Registrar and Scorer’s desk, pilots keen to fly and on their best behaviour, and airfield staff, customers, and locals alike in full support of the event.  My thanks to them all.