There was drama laced with delight in Blaenavon last weekend for the Llwydcoed Band as they prepared to take part in the final leg of the SEWBBA Welsh League Contest.

Kidney stones

Principal cornet player Iestyn Davies was taken ill following their final rehearsal less than 24 hours before they took to the stage, which resulted in their most valuable cornet player being rushed into hospital for observation on suspected kidney stones.

The potentially disastrous news was kept from the band until the very last moment in the hope Iestyn could make a recovery and play on stage.

Promotion

It was not to be though and with the deadline looming the decision was taken to promote the remaining solo cornet players and split the solo work between them.

Bumper up Graham Brill picked the shortest straw, but cometh the hour, cometh the man (even if he was slightly green around the gills with worry) at the prospect of taking the end chair.

Bumper up Graham Brill picked the shortest straw, but cometh the hour, cometh the man4BR

Stormed to victory

And with the support of Brian Milligan and Ian Browning the band stormed to victory in true Brassed Off style in the Third Section to gain not only the first prize of £350 but to clinch the Welsh League title into the bargain.

Graham told 4BR: "The band will be celebrating the joint victories and we will also be celebrating Christopher Johnson taking the Best Instrumentalist prize too. As for Iesytn – we hope he is feeling better because as I don’t want to go through that again in a hurry."