The Grand Challenge was a much-anticipated competition between the inform Dannhauser AC and Breakwaters AC. Breakwaters have been the title holders of various competitions while under the fold of the NFWAA.
The club is now with the APL, having won the treble on more than four occasions. Dannhauser AC were crowned the League and Knockout champions; an incredible feat. After winning both titles for the first time in their history, they were destined to rewrite the history books, aiming to clinch the treble by adding the Grand Challenge title.
Breakwaters AC were equally determined to add some silverware to their collection and end Dannhauser AC’s winning streak. Both clubs fielded full squads and after the zone draw, the anglers dashed to their favourite spots in Zone 3 and 4. It was a tough day as the anglers tried their favourite combinations to entice the elusive fish. Sporadic catches were reported throughout the day.
The moment of truth arrived at the weigh-in, under the watchful eye of the officials of Freshwater Spartans AC.
The number of nets were almost equal in both queues. Breakwaters AC were the first to weigh in their catches. In total, 12 anglers caught fish, with four carp over the 3kg mark. They reached a total of 62 points. Dannhauser AC weighed their catches in a bid to overhaul the score of Breakwaters. After the weigh-in was completed, Dannhauser AC had accumulated 37 points and conceded defeat to their arch-rivals.
Both clubs should be commended for their keen rivalry and keen sense of sportsmanship. Captain of Breakwaters AC, AJ Singh, congratulated Dannhauser AC for their competitive spirit throughout the season. He praised his club mates, many of whom were fishing their first season of competitive angling, adjusting to the conditions at Chelmsford Dam, and finishing on a high note.
This bodes well for the new season. Breakwaters AC were crowned the AA Coaches Grand Challenge Champions.
Darren Botha of Breakwaters AC was the high flyer, winning the ‘Angler of the Day’ title with 10 points, earning himself the red cap, R200 and an outright trophy. The title holders of the season are Aniel Boodhoo (Stillwaters AC – heaviest scaled fish of 6.350kg, L4); Nisharl Maharaj (BAC – heaviest non-scaled fish of 9.836kg, L3); Victor Deetlefs (FSAC – Rare Specie Category); Rishlyn Bhagaloo (Stillwaters AC – Junior Angler of the Year); Sonia du Plooy (FSAC – Lady Angler of the Year); Ronnie Rampersadh (BAC – Senior Angler of the Year); and Vishal Dookhi (FSAC – Angler of the Year). The top anglers per club, Mohamed Irfaan Ahmed (Dannhauser AC on 25 points) and Naeem Ismail (Challengers AC on 23 points) received tackle vouchers of R250 for topping the log in their respective clubs.
Victor Deetlefs (FSAC) landed a kurper of 910g and Aniel Boodhoo (SAC) also received an incentive prize of R500 for outstanding catches of the season.
