The BTM Band rounded off their contesting season by claiming the Welsh League title in Blaenavon on the weekend.

Champions

Despite the usual damp weather, the town and its Workingmen’s Hall provided a warm and friendly venue for the climax of the domestic season in the Principality, and it was BTM under the direction of Tom Davoren that produced a fine performance of the set work, ‘Les Preludes’ to take the £350 first prize as well as the magnificent solid silver Miners Trophy as the overall 2010 champion.

In addition, the band also claimed the three individual awards on offer by picking prizes for Best Soprano, Trombone Section and Basses.

In second place came Burry Port Town conducted by Phil Bailey, whilst Tylorstown’s third place was just enough to secure them the joint runner up place in the overall Welsh League standings with rivals Pontardulais.

BTM produced a fine performance of the set work, ‘Les Preludes’ to take the £350 first prize as well as the magnificent solid silver Miners Trophy as the overall 2010 champion4BR

First Section

In the First Section it was Penclawdd under the direction of Tony Small who headed back to West Wales with the title and £350, from Rogerstone and Blaenavon Town, after their performance of the set work, ‘Five Blooms in a Welsh Garden’ brought them victory.

However, it was Rogerstone who claimed the Welsh League title ahead of Blaenavon in the final standings.

Second Section

A keenly contested Second Section saw City of Cardiff (Mellingriffith) confirm their contesting credentials by claiming victory and the £350 first prize on the set work, ‘A Salford Sinfonietta’, ahead of Cross Keys and Gwaun Cae Gurwen.

The victory also confirmed their 2010 Welsh League title success ahead of runner up Gwaun Cae Gurwen.

Third Section

There was plenty to play for in the Third Section, where Llwydcoed under Gary Davies took the title on the set work, ‘A Haslemere Suite’ from Ogmore Valley and Corus Port Talbot.

The victory also confirmed the band’s Welsh League title with Ogmore as runner up.

Fourth Section

Earlier in the day there was also a fine battle for honours in the Fourth Section where AW Parker (Drybrook) headed back over the Severn Bridge £350 better off after claiming victory on the set work, ‘Anglian Dances’ from Oakdale and Abertillery & District.

However, it was Severn Tunnel, who came fourth on the day, which just did enough to claim the Welsh League title from joint runners up Abertillery & District and Mellingriffith 2.

Encouraging signs

With Blaenavon hosting the contest for a second year there were further encouraging signs that local grass roots banding is continuing its recovery, with the local Blaenavon Junior Band giving a great little concert programme under the baton of E. Smith, whilst 10 year old Joshua Sawyer picked up the days award as the youngest performer. .

SEWBBA spokesperson David Evans told 4BR: “We had a wonderful day’s competition on the weekend. Blaenavon as a town welcomes the contest with open arms and with improved facilities, changing areas, increased prize money and smooth running, the contest is going from strength to strength.”

Results:

Championship Section:
Adjudicator: Peter Roberts
Test Piece: Les Preludes

1. BTM (T. Davoren) – 192
2. Burry Port (P. Bailey) – 190
3. Tylorstown (G. Davies) – 189
4. Markham & District (A. Morton) – 188
5. Pontardulais (P. Jenkins) – 187
6. RAF St. Athan (A. Bourne) – 186

Best Soprano: BTM
Best Trombone Section: BTM
Best Bass Section: BTM

First Section:
Adjudicator: John Winterflood
Test Piece: Five Blooms in a Welsh Garden

1. Penclawdd (DA Small) – 189
2. Rogerstone (J. Jones) – 188
3. Blaenavon Town (A. Protheroe – Jones) – 186
4. Ynyshir (D. Evans) – 184

Best Instrumentalist: Solo cornet (Blaenavon)

Second Section:
Adjudicator: Peter Roberts
Test Piece: A Salford Sinfonietta

1. City of Cardiff (Mellingriffith) (G. Ritter) – 186
2. Cross Keys (C. Bowden) – 184
3. Gwaun Cae Gurwen (G. Davies) – 183
4. Upper Rhondda (P. O’Leary) – 182

Best Instrumentalist: Solo cornet (City of Cardiff (Mellingriffith) )

Third Section:
Adjudicator: John Winterflood
Test Piece: A Haslemere Suite

1. Llwydcoed (G. Davies) – 184
2. Ogmore Valley (Miss A. Jones) – 183
3. Corus (Port Talbot) (G. Davies) – 182
4. Newport Borough (I. Barnett) – 181
5. Crwbin (J. Jones) – 180
6. Ystradgynlais Public (W. White) – 178

Best Instrumentalist: Euphonium (Llywdcoed)
Best Horn Section: Corus (Port Talbot)

Fourth Section:
Adjudicator: Peter Roberts
Test Piece: Anglian Dances

1. AW Parker (Drybrook) (K. White) – 178
2. Oakdale (A. Browning) – 177
3. Abertillery & District (D. Evans) – 176
4. Severn Tunnel (A. McGee) – 175
5. Cwmbran (A. Lucas) – 174

Best Instrumentalist: Solo cornet (Oakdale)

Prizes: £350; £250; £150

2010 Welsh League Championship:

Championship Section:
Champion: BTM
Runners up: Pontardulais & Tylorstown

First Section:
Champion: Rogerstone
Runner up: Blaenavon Town

Second Section:
Champion: City of Cradiff (Mellingriffith)
Runner up: Gwaun Cae Gurwen

Third Section:
Champion: Llywdcoed
Runner up: Ogmore Valley

Fourth Section:
Champion: Severn Tunnel
Runners up: Abertillery & District & Mellingriffith 2