The 2021 run of the RSGB Affiliated Societies Data contest attracted a total of 229 entries significantly up from the 167 received last year across the four sections. The AFS contest series is one of the most closely fought in the RSGB calendar and this year was no exception. It was gratifying to see 41 entries from non-UK stations with the bulk being PAs. Naturally enough the most popular section was the 100w. As is usual with AFS the cut and thrust of competition was in evidence. 40m proved a difficult band for some this year as it did last year. There were the usual cries of frustration of logging issues and decoders not behaving as expected, Murphy's law was in evidence again. Whilst it is lovely to see the usual call signs battling it out it is very gratifying to see so many new calls taking part for their first time. M2P (G1XJP)'s soapbox made me smile as he said 'A baptism of fire' perfectly describing the AFS contests hi hi. On the whole the entrants enjoyed the contest with a total of 26764 QSOs claimed which is over 53% up on last year showing the high levels of activity.

In the General Club section the Three As CG A team retain their first place from last year with DeMontfort University ARS in second place. The Three As B team took third place on the podium.

In the Local Club Section Camb-Hams A team were beaten back into second place in a very tight race for the top spot by Norfolk ARC A team who claim first place improving on their fifth place of last year.as a result Grimsby ARS A team were pushed back from second place last year to third place this year. As you will see from the table below, this was a very closely fought competition and a most exciting one to adjudicate.

Turning now to the Individual table results. The 400w section GM2V (GM3WOJ) took first place and the AFS Data Challenge Trophy. G4PIQ took second place with GM4Z (GM4ZUK) being deposed from last year's win to third place.

The 100w section saw G4ENZ claim firstplace with GM4JYB and G7X (G0MCV) s eparated by just one point to finish second and third respectively.

In the 10w section G6EES came firstand hard on his heels came M0RYB two points behind to finish in second place whilst G0TPH was just one point adrift so claims third place.

In the Non-UK station table saw OE5TXF tied with OK1DOL for first place and PA4O came home in thirdplace.

It is gratifying to see many familiar call signs from overseas who regularly support the RSGB data modes contests throughout the year.

Congratulations to the Three As CG A team who lift the AFS Club Data Challenge Trophy once more as winning team, and to GM2V (GM3WOJ) who is awarded the AFS Data Challenge Trophy as Highest Individual UK&CD Score.

The RSGB Contest committee extends its thanks to all who entered and hope to see you all again in 2022.

Simone Wilson - M0BOX

RSGB AFS DATA Adjudicator

21/01/2021 - Re-adjudicated and republished.