The Foden's Band conducted by Michael Fowles took the overall honours at the Tameside Whit Friday march contests in what proved to be another nail biting night of tension.

And after the last notes were blown and the results collated, the North West Area champion had regained their title from defending champions Fairey (Geneva) by the narrowest of margins.

Official

Although players and supporters tried to work out just who had claimed victory well into the small hours of Saturday morning, the official news wasn't confirmed from Tameside Council until Sunday afternoon.

Playing their familiar march, 'The President', Foden's competed at all eleven venues and took five first prizes — at Audenshaw (£700), The Broadoak (£500), Carrbrook (£600), Droylsden (£600) and Heyrod (£600).

With the addition of the overall first prize of £2,500 as Tameside champion, plus further successes at Hurst Cross, Stalybridge, Stalybridge Celtic and Upper Mossley, the Sandbach band made their way home with a guaranteed £6,000 plus in the bank.

The band collected five first prizes plus one second place as their top six results.

Both Fodens and Fairey went to bed knowing they'd both won four contests a piece but had to wait till Saturday morning to find out if they'd won4BR

The curse of Carrbrook — again

Defending champion Fairey (Geneva) conducted by Garry Cutt finished second overall having taken the spoils at Hurst Cross (£250), Stalybridge (£550), Stalybridge Celtic (£350) and Upper Mossley (£500).

The band collected four first plus two second places for their six top results.

However, it was the announcement late in the night of the result at Carrbrook that saw Fairey's grip dislodged from their Whit Friday crown, despite the English National Champion returning to their Stockport base with £4,170 from their night's work.

Double joy for Ashton

Whit Friday proved to be a night of local celebration for Ashton-under-Lyne Band.

Playing George Allan's 'The Wizard', the Tameside outfit beat off the competition from Co-operative Funeralcare Northwest and Wingates to take third place overall.

Ashton were placed third five times and second once in their top six results aggregate.

Their consistent form all night also meant that they took the sought after 'Local' prize from Glossop Old and Mossley — pocketing £2,550 in total.

Tameside Top 10:

1. Foden's — 7pts
2. Fairey (Geneva) — 8pts
3. Ashton-under-Lyne — 17pts
4. Co-operative Funeralcare Northwest — 29pts
5. Wingates — 31pts
6. Glossop Old — 32pts
7. Northop Silver — 38pts
8. Mossley — 44pts
9. Silk Brass — 49pts
10. Stalybridge — 49pts

The full list of results will appear on the Tameside MBC website on Monday.