2008 CLA Blenheim Palace
19/08/2008
This was a resounding success for Carron in the most wonderful surroundings, Blenheim is a very special place with magnificent grounds, the Speycasting event was held right beside the most picturesque arched bridge. Blenheim was also the birthplace of Winston Churchill which from a historical point of view makes it a very special place to hold a huge Gamefair and casting competition. Carron had a strong presence at this event with all the boys in terrific form, not only for the Speycasting as they were trying their hand at many of the the other events which the CLA is famous for, especially the world renowned International Open Saltwater competition which also had competitors travelling from all over the world to compete.
This is a 3 day event with qualifying taking place on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning with the grandstand final taking place in the afternoon.
The weather over the weekend was glorious with the temperatures soaring into the 80s.with an occasional upstream breeze which made it difficult for most competitors to reach their full potential.
Andrew Toft of Carron gets a good one away.
Speycasting qualifying results
| 1st | Gordon Armstrong | 61 Metres |
| 2nd | James Chalmers | 60 Metres |
| 3rd | Knut Syrstad | 59 Metres |
| 4th | Ruairi Costello | 57 Metres |
| 5th | Ryan Brady | 56 Metres |
| 6th | Blair Banks | 54 Metres |
Sundays Speycasting final
The casters were now in front of the Grandstand with the added pressures of a television crew filming the final for the 1st time, the weather was flat calm and very humid for all the competitors.
| 1st | Gordon Armstrong | 53 metres |
| 2nd | Ryan Brady | 50 metres |
| 3rd | Knut Syrstad | 49 metres |
| 4th | Ruairi Costello | 48 metres |
| 5th | Blair Banks | 46 metres |
| 6th | James Chalmers | 43 metres |
Gordon receives 1st prize
Jimmy Jack of Carron receives the manufacturer's trophy
The prestigious saltwater competition created a huge interest from the television crews and the Angling press, with the Grandstand full to capacity it was standing room only.
International Open Saltwater Completion winner was Ruairi Costello with a huge cast of 41 Metres.
Ruairi receives the International open Saltwater prize.
A wee celebration after the event
Carrons CLA weekend was a resounding success with customers old and new visiting us at our stand and meeting them was a real privilege.
Looking forward to 2009.