Former Scottish Brass Band Association Development Officer Alan Edmond is certainly carving out a successful new life for himself in Melbourne – after it was revealed that he recently got through to the last qualifying round of the prestigious ‘Aussie Millions’ Poker Tournament.

Settled in

Alan has settled into Australian life with relish – and has even been to watch the Boxing Day test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. And in the next week or so he will be taking the time to support compatriot Andy Murray at the Australian Open.

Poker

However, it’s the Poker table with its shady bluffers, high rollers and internet whizz kids that has seen him enjoy himself most – as he told 4BR.

"I was determined to get into the ‘Aussie’ way of life as soon as we got out here – and to take a bit of a break from brass banding. I’ve been a keen poker player for a while back home, but decided to enter a small satellite competition for a bit of fun.

Amazingly, I managed to get through two qualification rounds and found myself in a swish Melbourne hotel with the chance to win a seat to play against the likes of Phil Ivy!"

It was a great experience and certainly made me a better player – although I haven’t felt as nervous as this since I had to play the opening bars to Cloudcatcher Fells at the British Open!Alan Edmond

Cloudcatcher

Unfortunately, he just missed out – coming 22nd out of 150 competitors with the top 14 going through — as his all in pair of nines rang into a pair of kings.

"I didn’t mind though," he added. "It was a great experience and certainly made me a better player – although I haven’t felt as nervous as this since I had to play the opening bars to Cloudcatcher Fells at the British Open!"

Cricket and tennis

Life though is good – and he has even taken time to appreciate the cricket.

"I managed to get a ticket and found myself in the member’s stand looking down onto the pitch as Australia was batting. I thought brass band contests were odd, but to a novice like me, test cricket is an alien concept!"

Banding

As for future banding commitments?

"I’m keeping busy with my connection to the Scottish Brass Band Association and logging into 4BR – so I’m pretty up to date with what’s going on.

I may even check out just how good the locals are at it too – if I don’t get the urge to try and win millions on the poker table again!"