ARTICLES

Pontins Championships 2002:
Championship Section

The Harry and Margaret Mortimer Championships 2002

Sunday 27th October
Fun Factory Ballroom
Pre Draw
Commences 10.00am
Test Piece: Ballet for Band – Joseph Horovitz
Adjudicators: Richard Evans and Alan Lawton
First Prize: £2,500
Second Prize: £1,300
Third Prize: £700
Fourth Prize: £450
Contest Controller: Frank Hodges

Championship secion competing Bands:

Alliance Brass
Conductor - B. Ellin
Withdrawn

ASDA Stocksbridge Band
Conductor - Derek Renshaw
Current 4BR Ranking: 53
4BR Ranking October 2001: 33
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – DNC: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – 10th: 2000 – DNC: 2001 – 4th in 1st Section.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 1st (1S)
Oct 2001: National Finals – 1st (1S)
Oct 2001: Pontins – 4th (1S)
Feb 2002: Yeovil – 9th
Mar 2002: Regionals – 14th
May 2002: Senior Cup – 5th
May 2002: Denshaw (Whit Friday) – 3rd
May 2002: Greenfield (Whit Friday) – 2nd
May 2002: Lees & Springhead (Whit Friday) – 4th
May 2002: Uppermill (Whit Friday) – 4th

ASDA Stocksbridge was in top form in the 1st Section in 2001, taking the 1st prize in the Yorkshire Regionals and topping it with a class performance to become National Champions at Preston. They endorsed their quality at that level taking a prize at Pontins before progressing into the Championship Section. The effort of their labours on ‘Whitsun Wakes’ at the Regionals was 14th place but they put that disappointment behind them to finish in the frame in the Senior Cup. That strong competition and the Regional result, in particular, has seen them lose 20 places in the 4BR rankings over the last 12 months but that said some confident playing saw them score some good results on Whit Friday. An on-form ASDA Stocksbridge could put on a strong performance come Sunday.

Ashton Under Lyne
Conductor - John Maines
Current 4BR Ranking: 61
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – 2nd in 3rd Section: 1998 – 1st in 2nd Section: 1999 – 1st in 1st Section: 2000 – 5th: 2001 – 6th.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 9th
Apr 2001: Tameside – 2nd
May 2001: Grand Shield – 7th
May 2001: Carrbrook (Whit Friday) – 3rd
May 2001: Heyrod (Whit Friday) – 3rd
Oct 2001: Pontins - 6th
Nov 2001: Wilkinson (St.Helens) – 5th
Feb 2002: Brass at Guild – 8th
Apr 2002: Tameside – 2nd (Ch/1S)
Mar 2002: Regionals – 2nd (S1)
May 2002: Grand Shield – J16th
May 2002: Upper Mossley (Whit Friday) – 2nd
Sept 2002: National Finals – 5th (S1)

Ashton-under-Lyne have certainly announced their presence under John Maines. At Tameside in April they made a bold statement, in good company, to come 2nd playing ‘Diversions on a Bass Theme’. They followed this with a cracking performance in the 1st Section in Blackpool and booked themselves a place in Torquay for the National Finals finishing 5th from an early number 2 draw. The Grand Shield didn’t quite match their expectations but Ashton-under-Lyne will certainly be looking to give a performance at this contest to underline their resurgence in the contest arena which has seen them push themselves into the 4BR rankings at number 61.

Aveley and Newham
Conductor – Nigel Taken
Current 4BR Ranking: 23
4BR Ranking October 2001 : 20
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – DNC: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – DNC: 2000 – 3rd: 2001 – 4th.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Feb 2001: Yeovil - 1st
Mar 2001: Regionals - 1st
May 2001: Masters - 19th
May 2001: Grand Shield - 5th
Sep 2001: National Finals - 12th
Oct 2001: Pontins - 4th
Feb 2002: Yeovil - 1st
Mar 2002: Regionals – 2nd
May 2002: Grand Shield – 4th
May 2002: Masters – 9th
Oct 2002: National Finals - 12th

Aveley finished 12th in the National Finals last weekend, their sixth consecutive appearance there after qualifying as runners up at the London Regional Championships. They gained 4th place at the Grand Shield and played with style to come home a solid 9th place at the Masters. Aveley and Newham should be in with a good shout here but Nigel Taken will have his work cut out getting ‘Ballet for Band’ up and ready so soon after the time that will had to have been spent on ‘Masquerade’. Aveley and Newham have pretty well held their place in the 4BR rankings over the last 12 months slipping just 3 places from 20th to 23rd in October 2002.

B.T.M.
Conductor - David Stowell
Current 4BR Ranking: 30
4BR Ranking October 2001 : 26
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – 8th: 1998 – 8th: 1999 – 12th: 2000 – 17th: 2001 – 9th.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Feb 2001: Yeovil – 6th
Mar 2001: Regionals – 7th
May 2001: Grand Shield - 18th
Sept 2001: South Wales Miner's Eisteddfod Invitation Contest – 4th
Oct 2001: Pontins – 9th
Oct 2001: Wychavon Entertainment Contest – 2nd
Oct 2001: Centenary West Wales Brass Band Association Contest - 2nd
Nov 2001: Reading Invitation Contest – 3rd
Nov 2001: Treorchy Entertainment Competition – 1st
Feb 2002: Yeovil Entertainment Contest – 5th
Mar 2002: Regionals - 6th
Apr 2002: South East Wales contest at Ebbw Vale – 2nd
May 2002: Senior Cup – 9th
Sep 2002: Porthcawl Open Entertainment Contest – 4th
Sep 2002: Wychavon Entertainment Contest – 3rd

BTM will be looking to improve on their 9th place at this contest last year. At 2002 major contests a 9th (Senior Cup) and 6th (Welsh Regional) have kept them out of the frame and this has seen them drop 4 places in the 4BR rankings from 26th to 30th. They will be hoping to turn in a performance in a vein similar to one they produced to come 2nd in Ebbw Vale. The good form in entertainment contests needs to be transformed into a concentrated performance on Sunday if they are to figure.

City of Coventry Brass
Conductor – Philip Bailey
Current 4BR Ranking: N/A
4BR Ranking- October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 –11th in 1st Section: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – 17th in 1st Section: 2000 – 15th in 1st Section: 2001 – DNC.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 5th
Mar 2002: Regionals – 2nd (S1)
May 2002: Buxton – 3rd
Sept 2002: National Finals – 6th (S1)

City of Coventry made their mark in the Midlands under Philip Bailey in Section 1 during 2001/2002. They improved on their 5th place at the Regionals in 2001 to take the runners-up slot in 2002, and that booked their place in Torquay. A performance of ‘Une Vie de Matelot’ at Buxton in May was rewarded with a 3rd prize and then some classy work failed to be given the credit it possibly deserved when they captured a 6th place in Section 1 at Torquay National Finals. This contest will be the strongest field City of Coventry have competed against since their promotion to the Championship Section and the band will have worked hard in the room above the ‘Flanker and Firkin’ in preparation for this contest.

Drighlington
Conductor – Colin Hardy
Current 4BR Ranking: N/A
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – 14th: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – DNC: 2000 – DNC: 2001 – DNC.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2002: Regionals – 12th
June 2002: Marsden March Contest – 1st
July 2002: Brighouse March and Hymn Tune Contest – 3rd

Drighlington are sure to be well prepared by Colin Hardy and will be determined not to repeat the disappointing result at the Regionals. The band always seems to compete well and are entering this contest on the back of a couple of confidence boosting march contests during the summer. They will have to reproduce that sound and more if they are to figure in the prizes on Sunday.

Flowers
Conductor – Philip Harper
Current 4BR Ranking: 17
4BR Ranking October 2001 : 16
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – DNC: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – DNC: 2000 – DNC: 2001 – DNC.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Feb 2001: Yeovil – 2nd
Mar 2001: Regionals - 2nd
May 2001: Masters – 5th
Sep 2001: Porthcawl Miners Eisteddfod – 3rd
Sept 2001: British Open – 21st
Oct 2001: National Finals – 9th
Oct 2001: Wychavon Entertainemnt Contest – 1st
Feb 2002: Yeovil Entertainment Contest – 3rd
Mar 2002: Regionals – 3rd
May 2002: Grand Shield – 3rd
May 2002: Masters – 5th
Sept 2002: Porthcawl Entertainment Contest – 1st
Sept 2002: Wychavon Entertainemnt Contest – 1st

Flowers only real disappointing result over the last 12 months was the 21st place at the British Open in 2001, but a prize winning 3rd place performance at the Grand Shield, 5th in the Masters and a decent results at the Regionals confirmed the status. Lying 18th, with very little deviation, in the 4BR rankings their entertainment programmes has been richly rewarded of late and Philip Harper will have them well prepared and on their mettle for this one. Could well be the band to beat.

Haydock Ogden Travel
Conductor – I. Brownbill
Current 4BR Ranking: 67
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 –DNC: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – 10th in 1st Section: 2000 – DNC: 2001 – 3rd in 1st Section.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 4th (1S)
Oct 2001: Fleetwood – 2nd
Oct 2001: Pontins - 4th (1S)
Nov 2001: Wilkinson (St.Helens) – 6th
Mar 2002: Regionals – 6th
May 2002: Senior Trophy – 11th
Oct 2002: NWCBBA Feetwood Contest – 3rd

Haydock Ogden Travel have served notice that they are a quality outfit. Since October 2001 they have pushed themselves from outsiders in the 4BR ranking to a creditable 67th. This has been earned on the back of some good performances under the concentrated style of Ian Brownbill. The ex-Dyke man has moulded a very competent unit that has figured there or thereabouts in every contest they have entered in the last 12 months with the only fly in the ointment being the disappointing 11th in the Senior Trophy.

Hepworth
Conductor – Mark Bentham
Current 4BR Ranking: 44
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – 2nd in 2nd Section: 1998 – 7th in 1st Section: 1999 – 16th: 2000 – 18th: 2001 – 8th.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 9th
Apr 2001: Buxton Contest – 3rd
Jul 2001: Brighouse March Contest – 1st
Oct 2001: Pontins – 8th
Nov 2001: Wilkinson (St.Helens) – 1st
Feb 2002: Brass at The Guild – 1st
Mar 2002: Regionals – 5th
May 2002: Senior Cup – 7th
May 2002: Masters – 18th
Jul 2002: Brighouse March and Hymn Tune Contest – 1st
Oct 2002: North West Open Championships – 3rd

Hepworth under Mark Bentham have had a 12 months to remember. Since October 2001 they have certainly impressed and improved out of sight, and have now gained a well deserved entry into the 4BR rankings at 44th. This gives you some indication of the quality of this band, and although the late entry into the Masters saw them finish 18th, it would be wrong to use this as a benchmark as that result does not reflect the noteworthy playing the band produced during the rest of the year. They should be strong contenders on the day having just recently taking 3rd at the N.W. Open. If they play to their potential - watch out!

JAG Mount Charles
Conductor – Russell Gray
Current 4BR Ranking: 31
4BR Ranking October 2001 : 34
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – 16th: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – 1st: 2000 – 4th: 2001 – 1st.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Feb 2001: Yeovil – 5th
Mar 2001: Regionals – 5th
May 2001: Grand Shield - 14th
May 2001: Masters – 17th
Sep 2001: Wychavon Festival of Brass – 3rd
Oct 2001: Pontins – 1st
Nov 2001: SWBBA Contest – 1st
Feb 2002:Yeovil – 1st
Mar 2002: Cornwall Brass Band Contest – 1st
Mar 2002: Regionals – 4th
May 2002: Grand Shield – 4th
May 2002: Masters – 14th

JAG Mount Charles had a fairly spectacular year in 2001 winning splendidly at Pontins, Torquay, and Yeovil, but they also failed to make an impression at the two higher-class contests they competed at - 17th at the Masters and 14th at the Grand Shield. This year has seen a similar pattern with some very good results interspersed with a lost opportunity at the Grand Shield and 14th place in the Masters. The reigning champions are a strong competitor here and could very well be the band to beat. Interesting.

Kidlington Concert
Conductor – Catherine Underwood
Current 4BR Ranking: N/A
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – DNC: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – 11th: 2000 – 19th: 2001 – DNC.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 2nd
Mar 2002: Regionals – 7th

Kidlington Concert come into this contest having had a relatively quiet time on the contesting scene but what do they say about the quiet ones? Regional runners-up in 2001 this result demonstrates that when they turn their attention to contesting they can do the business, but they will have to perform at that sort of level to make an impression at this contest on Sunday.

Longridge
Conductor – Brett Baker
Current 4BR Ranking – October 2002 : N/A
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – 17th: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – 6th in 1st Section: 2000 – DNC: 2001 – 22nd.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – Non Competing
Oct 2001: Fleetwood – 3rd
Oct 2001: Pontins – 22nd
Mar 2002: Regionals – 10th

Longridge are another band who have had a quiet time in the contesting arena. Certainly a strong band in the local N.W. contesting area they are sure to be ready under Brett baker to re-state their place in the contesting field. They could surprise a few if they get their act together on the day and will certainly want to improve on the Pontins result of last year and their 10th place at the N.W. Regionals.

Mossley
Conductor – Martyn Evans
Current 4BR Ranking: N/A
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – DNC: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – 14th in 1st Section: 2000 – DNC: 2001 – DNC.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Jan 2001: Rochdale – 3rd
Mar 2001: Regionals – 1st
Sep 2001: Nationals – 7th
Mar 2002: Regionals – 11th

Mossley Band were a strong 1st Section Band throughout 2001 and they were on top form in winning the N.W. Regionals and moved into the Championship section following a creditable 7th place in the National Finals in Preston. The 2002 Regionals proved a tough challenge for a young band, but that said, they are looking to consolidate their position in a very strong region so coming 11th was a fine return.

Nottingham City Transport
Conductor - Martyn Heathfield
Current 4BR Ranking: N/A
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – 9th in 1st Section: 1998 – 10th in 1st Section: 1999 – 2nd in 1st Section: 2000 – DNC: 2001 – 16th in 1st Section.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 6th
Oct 2001: Pontins 1st Section – 16th
Mar 2002: Regionals – 11th

Nottingham City Transport proved to be a forceful band in the 1st Section in 2001 and gained a 6th place at the 2001 Regionals which together with previous consistent results saw their promotion to the Championship Section. They have a couple of disappointing results since with them coming 16th at Pontins and 11th at the Regionals this year but they will come to this contest out to prove a point.

Pennine Brass
Conductor – Ian Porthouse
Current 4BR Ranking: N/A
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – DNC: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – DNC: 2000 – DNC: 2001 – 2nd in 1st Section.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 2nd
Apr 2001: Holme Valley – 1st
Jun 2001: Slaithwaite March Contest – 3rd
Jun 2001: French Open – 1st
Jul 2001: Brighouse March Contest – 6th
Sep 2001: National Brass Band Finals, Preston – 4th
Oct 2001: Pontins Contest- 2nd
Mar 2002: Regionals – 10th (ChS)
Apr 2002: Holme Valley – 1st (Ch/S1)
May 2002: Senior Trophy – 12th
May 2002: Cumbria BBA Annual Contest – 1st (Ch/1S)
Jul 2002: Brighouse March and Hymn Tune Contest – 5th

Pennine Brass under the baton of Ian Porthouse were outstanding during 2001 in the 1st Section and they scored some very good results especially in the Regionals, National Finals and Pontins. The Championship Section though is a different ball game and 10th place in the Yorkshire Regionals and 12th place in the Senior Trophy in 2002 were probably not the results the band were looking for. You can bet they will take the stage this Sunday out to prove a point having notched a couple of 1st prizes at Holme Valley and Cumbria.

Peter Hawke Garages Lindley
Conductor – Neil Jowett
Current 4BR Ranking: N/A
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – DNC: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – DNC: 2000 – 9th: 2001 – 1st in 1st Section.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 4th (S1)
May 2001: Senior Cup – 1st
Oct 2001: Pontins – 1st
Mar 2002: Regionals – 4th (S1)
May 2002: Grand Shield – J16th

Peter Hawke Garages Lindley just shows why there is so much strength in depth in the Yorkshire Region – a region that leads the 4BR rankings. A very good 1st Section band, they impressed in 2001 taking both the Pontins and Senior Cup titles back to Yorkshire with them and becoming the 4BR Lower Section Band of the Year. In the Regionals they came 4th in Section 1 and then claimed joint 16th in the Grand Shield. The question is can they raise the stakes here to turn around joint 16th place in Blackpool to claim a top prize here.

Jaguar (Coventry)
Conductor – Dave Lea
Current 4BR Ranking: 68
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – 12th: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – DNC: 2000 – DNC: 2001 – DNC.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 7th
May 2001: Grand Shield - 16th
Sep 2001: Wychavon Festival of Brass – 7th
Mar 2002: Regionals – 7th

Jaguar (Coventry) Band should be re-focused under a new sponsorship deal and one would bet that Dave Lea will have them well prepared to shake off the disappointing Grand Shield result in 2001 and the knowledge that they have finished outside of the frame in their last few contests. They need to make a big statement here and that is not beyond them.

Soham Comrades
Conductor – P. Filby
Current 4BR Ranking: N/A
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – DNC: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – DNC: 2000 – 8th: 2001 – 7th.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 7th
Oct 2001: SCABBA Folkestone – 3rd
Mar 2002: Regionals – 4th
May 2002: Senior Cup – 9th
Oct 2002: SCABA 53rd Autumn Contest – 7th

Withdrawn

Staffordshire
Conductor – David Maplestone
Current 4BR Ranking: 56
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – 13th: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – 13th: 2000 – 13th: 2001 – 16th.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 6th (ChS)
May 2001: Weston Super Mare – 2nd
May 2001: Senior Cup - 17th
Mar 2002: Regionals – 1st (S1)
May 2002: Buxton – 7th
May 2002: Senior Cup – 3rd
Sep 2002: National Brass Band Finals, Torquay – 1st (S1)
Sept 2002: Wychavon Entertainemnt Contest – 1st (S1)
Sept 2002: National Finals – 1st (S1)

Staffordshire Band is on a roll. After finishing 6th in the 2001 Regionals the following 12 months has seen them virtually sweep all before them in the 1st Section. Their performance at Torquay in the early hours was the icing on the cake, so those 1st prizes achieved in the Regionals, National Finals and Wychavon Entertainment Contest have served notice. David Maplestone has instilled a confidence in the band that is there for all to see and they will go to this contest believing that they should win it. Whether this confidence is misplaced we will find out, but discount them at your peril.

Thoresby Colliery UK Coal
Conductor – Stan Lippeatt
Current 4BR Ranking: 47
4BR Ranking October 2001 : 43
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – 13th: 1998 – DNC: 1999 – DNC: 2000 – DNC: 2001 – DNC.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 2nd
May 2001: Senior Cup - 14th
Sep 2001: Wychavon Festival of Brass – 5th
Nov 2001: CISWO Mineworkers – 3rd
Mar 2002: Regionals – 3rd
May 2002: Senior Cup – 4th
May 2002: Masters – 17th
Sep 2002: Dronfield Entertainment contest – 1st

Thoresby Colliery have had a real mixed bag of results, from highpoints – 2nd in the 2001 Regionals to a disappointing 14th in the Senior Cup 2001. They turned disappointment to cheer with a 3rd at CISWO and 4th in the Senior Cup 2002 and they were a little unlucky in the 2002 Regionals. The Masters reward was 17th but Stan Lippeat will know that Thoresby, lying in the 4BR rankings at 47th will be strong contenders in this contest.

Tredegar
Conductor – Garry Cutt
Current 4BR Ranking: 8
4BR Ranking October 2001 : 8
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – 1st: 1998 – 1st: 1999 – 2nd: 2000 – DNC: 2001 – DNC.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 1st
May 2001: Ebbw Vale Contest – 1st
Sep 2001: Porthcawl Miners Eisteddfod – 1st
Sep 2001: British Open – 13th
Sep 2001: National Finals – 7th
Feb 2002: Yeovil – 7th
Mar 2002: Regionals – 3rd
Apr 2002: South East Wales contest at Ebbw Vale – 1st
May 2002: European Championships – 7th
Sep 2002: British Open – 8th
Oct 2002: WWBBA Ammanford Contest – 1st

Tredegar, under James Scott, won on this piece at WWBBA Ammanford Contest, a couple of weeks ago and ranked 8th in the 4BR rankings they are surely one of the favourites for this contest. The departure of Steve Bastable after the British Open 2002 where they were 8th will not dampen their spirits. Tredegar were unlucky in the Europeans when their own choice selection ‘Harrison’s Dream’ was their undoing but ‘Ballet for Band’ is a piece that is food and drink for a band of this calibre and with Garry Cutt at the helm, they will be very strong contenders.

Woolley Pritchard Sovereign Brass
Conductor – Bryan Hurdley
Current 4BR Ranking: N/A
4BR Ranking October 2001 : N/A
Last Five Years at Pontins: 1997 – 7th: 1998 – 11th: 1999 – 4th: 2000 – 15th: 2001 – 20th.

Major Contesting Results 2001 – 2002
Mar 2001: Regionals – 5th
May 2001: Senior Cup - 10th
Dec 2001: Leamington Spa (WMBBA) – 2nd
Feb 2002: Yeovil – 12th
Mar 2002: Regionals – 10th
May 2002: Senior Cup – 14th

Woolley Pritchard Brass are a good band and have a number of good results to their credit over the years – including a 4th place here in 1999 to go with a win in 1996. 5th in the 2001 Regionals was followed by 10th in the Senior Cup and 2nd in Leamington Spa and this year has not quite proved as profitable with a 12th and 14th at Yeovil and in the Senior Cup respectively. They are a quality outfit and could easily raise their game for this contest. They were unlucky last year to come as low as they did. This year should see them improve on that for sure.

The 4BR Prediction:

Pontins is one of the hardest contests ever to win – the bands are much the same good standard and the hall and its lack of helpful acoustics means that the better bands find it difficult to really shine. That being said there are a few bands here who should have enough about them to pout in performances that should feature on the prize list.

The reigning champions, JAG Mount Charles will surely be one, as will Tredegar, but we think the victory may well go to Flowers under Philip Harper. They have been playing really well of late and have some fine victories under their belt. They have some really classy players around the stand and haven’t had the distractions of either the Open or Nationals to hold back their preparation. Look out for them, with Tredegar and JAG Mount Charles close behind. After that it could be a bit more open, but Staffordshire are on a roll and Hepworth and Thoresby will be well worth a flutter. Aveley are our dark horses this time.

Prediction
1. Flowers
2. Tredegar
3. JAG Mount Charles
4. Staffordshire
5. Hepworth
6. Thoresby
Dark Horse: Aveley and Newham

Last Years Result:
1. JAG Mount Charles
2. Point of Ayr
3. B.T.
4. Aveley and Newham
5. SWT Woodfalls
6. Ashton Under Lyne

Past Winners:
1990: Tredegar
1991: BTM
1992: BTM
1993: Flowers
1994: Stocksbridge
1995: Stocksbridge
1996: Wooley Pritchard Sovereign
1997: Tredegar
1998: Tredegar
1999: Mount Charles
2000: Rothwell Temperance
2001: Mount Charles

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