The Lewis Merthyr Band carried on its remarkable run of domestic success at the SEWBBA Welsh League Contest in Blaenavon on the weekend – making it an incredible 11 podium places in a row with their second place finish in the Second Section.

Top three

The band has not been out of the top three at a domestic or local contest since October 2009 and the latest prize also ensured that they ended the 2011 season as runner up in the Welsh League series.

Proud CV

The proud CV now lists 3 firsts, 5 seconds and 3 third places and the band hope to carry on their success in the First Section of the Welsh League for 2012.

Band spokesperson Paul Williams told 4BR: "The success is down to MD Gareth Pritchard, and the commitment of the players."

The success is down to MD Gareth Pritchard, and the commitment of the playersLewis Merthyr spokesperson

Commitment

That commitment has seen the band deal with potentially disastrous set backs with a degree of invention and fortitude – especially following their principal cornet Neil Batten, being taken ill on the eve of the National Finals in Cheltenham and his replacement, Robert Smith also being taken ill recently.

Paul added: "To continue with so much success despite these set backs show just how well the band is developing. We wish both Neil and Robert a speedy recovery."