With the local pub landlords still dealing with the aftermath of the rugby celebrations in South Africa, there was still just enough beer left in the pumps in Burry Port to be drunk by the players and supporters of the 31 bands that descended on the town for the second leg of the 2011 Welsh League series.

Takings

In the end the takings were boosted well into the small hours of Sunday morning as the hometown favourites claimed victory in the Championship Section under the baton of Michael Thorne with a purposeful performance of their own choice test piece selection, ‘Paganini Variations’.

It proved to be just good enough to pip highflying Pontardulais, who built on their recent top six finish at the National Finals at Cheltenham with a colourful reprise of ‘Force of Destiny’. Meanwhile, Tylorstown kept their noses in front in the race for the overall 2011 League title by coming third thanks to a compact rendition of Eric Ball’s ‘High Peak’.

Exciting final contest

Burry Port will now head to what promises to be an exciting final contest of the series in Blaenavon on 19th November, with an outside chance of claiming the title, after Ebbw Vale winners Abergavenny could only manage fourth, with Markham, fifth.

After a period of rebuilding that saw the band ort unable to attend the Ebbw Vale contest, an injection of talented youth has given the band a huge boost of confidence, as shown by the reception the Burry Port players gave their impressive ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award winner, 17 year-old solo euphonium, Chris Smith.

Quite outstanding

Adjudicator C Brian Buckley described the top two performances as ‘quite outstanding’ on the day, with the third placed band ‘almost as close’.

He did however put the performances in an overall context by emphasising that musical ambition had to be balanced with the need to master the basic requirements of good quality top section contest playing.

First Section

City of Cardiff (Melingriffth) put their recent Cheltenham disappointment behind them to secure a commanding victory in the First Section.

In the process Gareth Ritter ensured that his band placed at least one hand on the overall Welsh League title following their win at Ebbw Vale, with a reprise of ‘Force of Destiny’ that saw them end three points clear of rivals, Ynyshir with Penclawdd in third.

Gareth Jones of City of Cardiff took the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award, whilst there was delight for the players of Ynyshir after their performance of ‘River City Suite’ saw them strengthen their hold on second place in the challenge for the overall title.

Second Section

Another band that enjoyed a fine return at Cheltenham put themselves in pole position for the Second Section Welsh League title.

Llwydcoed, conducted by Gary Davies, delivered a high class reprise of ‘Portrait of a City’ to claim a clear cut three point victory. The band’s euphonium player.... took the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award.

Led in the cornet ranks by newly appointed Welsh Brass Band Forum Chairman, Iestyn Davies (who was also busy all day in his new role), they added to their Ebbw Vale win, despite a bold challenge from fellow Cheltenham finalists Lewis Merthyr, with Briton Ferry in third.

Third Section

Earlier in the day Michael Thorne led local favourites Seindorf Crwbin to victory in the Third Section.

A fine performance of ‘A Malvern Suite’ saw the band from near Carmarthen secure a close two point winning margin over Tata Steel (Port Talbot) with Fourth Section Cheltenham finalists Abertillery & District in third.

Helped by the excellent contribution of ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award winner Jonathan Jones, the win sets up the Third Section for a thrilling climax at Blaenavon next month with at least three bands now in the hunt for the overall title.

Fourth Section

Despite only being three bands making it to the starting line for the Fourth Section, the contest organisers were delighted with the response of bands and ensembles at grass roots level on the day.

Newly crowned National champions, Melingriffith 2, directed by Dewi Griffths showed that they have just about recovered from their recent celebrations by taking the honours by a point from the Ebbw Vale winners Oakdale Silver, with Severn Tunnel in third.

M2’s soprano cornet Aled Jones- Pritchard took the ‘Best Instrumentalist’ Award, whilst M2’s victory also sets up the Fourth Section for an exciting finale at Blaenavon, with the three prize winners all in with a shout for the overall title.

Packed start

The day started with a packed hall listening to a wonderful 10 minute programme from Gold Award winners West Glamorgan Juniors conducted by a beaming Jayne Thomas in the Junior Ensemble Section. They were followed by five cracking 10-minute sets from the bands in the Youth Band Section.

BTM ‘The Next Generation’ conducted by Mark Hutcherson showed that the senior BTM Band has a fine production line of young talent in place, as they took the ‘Best Performance’ prize.

Just behind them came a clutch of vibrant performances full of encouragement and plenty of great playing from City of Cardiff M3, Goodwick Youth, Burry Port Town ‘Tenuto Brass’ and Seindorf Iau Crwbin.

The atmosphere in the hall first thing in the morning was amazing. It was packed to rafters with families to listen to the young players, and so many of those stayed on to enjoy the rest of the dayBurry Port Chairman, Graham Howe

Innovative approach

Burry Port Town Band Chairman Graham Howe told 4BR that an innovative approach had revitalised the West Wales Association contest.

"We have had a great time. The atmosphere in the hall first thing in the morning was amazing. It was packed to rafters with families to listen to the young players, and so many of those stayed on to enjoy the rest of the day."

He added: "We are trying new things here such as inviting young adjudicators to be a part of the event, and I think they are starting to pay dividends."

One of the innovations saw bands with five or more players under the age of 16 have their entry fee of £50 refunded back to them, whilst the host band, Burry Port will be holding a solo and ensemble contest at the same venue in February next year.

New horizons

The West Wales Brass Band Association also confirmed that they are broadening their horizons too, with the 2012 contest being held at a new venue in Fishguard, whilst two stalwart bandsmen, David and Edmond John received well deserved recognition of their contribution to Welsh banding with the presentation of Lifetime Service Awards.

Results:

Championship Section:
Adjudicator: C Brian Buckley

1. Burry Port Town (M. Thorne) – 192
2. Pontardulais Town (P. Jenkins) – 191
3. Tylorstown (G. Davies) – 189
4. Abergavenny Borough (C. Roberts) – 186
5. Markham & District (A. Morton) – 185
6. RAF St Athan (A. Bourne) – 184
7. Rogerstone (J. Jones) – 182

Best Instrumentalist: Chris Smith – euphonium (Burry Port)

First Section:
Adjudicator: Paul Holland

1. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Gareth Ritter) – 189
2. Ynyshir (D. Evans) – 186
3. Penclawdd (T. Small) – 184

Best Instrumentalist: Gareth Jones – cornet (City of Cardiff)

Second Section:
Adjudicator: Paul Holland

1. Llwydcoed (G. Davies) – 189
2. Lewis Merthyr (G. Pritchard) – 186
3. Briton Ferry Silver (Dr C. Jenkins) – 185
4. Crosskeys (K. Bowden) – 184
5. Gwaun Cae Gurwen (C. Hogg) – 182

Best Instrumentalist: David Johnson — euphonium (Llwydcoed)

Third Section:
Adjudicator: C Brian Buckley

1. Seindorf Crwbin (M. Thorne) – 179
2. Tata Steel (Port Talbot) – 177
3. Abertillery & District (D. Evans) – 175
4. Ammanford Town (G.R. Davies) – 174
5. Ogmore Valley Silver (A. Jones) – 173
6. Newport Borough (I. Barnett) – 172
7. Ystradgynlais Public (A. Parker) – 170

Best Instrumentalist: Jonathan Jones — solo cornet (Seindorf Crwbin)

Fourth Section:
Adjudicator: Paul Holland

1. Melingriffith 2 (Dewi Griffiths) – 179
2. Oakdale Silver (A. Browning) – 178
3. Severn Tunnel (J. Ruck) – 177

Best Instrumentalist: Aled Jones-Pritchard – soprano (M2)

Junior Ensemble & Youth Sections:
Adjudicator: Robert Samuel

Junior Ensemble:
West Glamorgan Junior (J. Thomas) – Gold

Youth Band:
BTM ‘The Next Generation’ (M. Hutcherson) – Gold
City of Cardiff (G. Ritter) – Gold
Goodwick Youth (M. Jenkins) – Silver
Seindorf Iau Crwbin (J. Jones) – Bronze
Burry Port Town ‘Tenuto Brass’ – (G. Thomas) — Bronze