Against the backdrop of a potentially bitter dispute between Kapitol Promotions and the newly constituted Brass Bands England over rival claims to run a UK wide registry of players, a highly enjoyable 2012 National Finals came to a rousing conclusion on Sunday evening.

Testing hurdles

74 bands made the trip to the famous racecourse to lock horns in battle over the testing hurdles posed for them by a quartet of set works in each section, with the eventual parade ring winners coming from stables in Yorkshire, North of England and a brace from London & Southern Counties.

Yorkshire pride

Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) restored Yorkshire pride on what was an uneven weekend of contesting success for the region, as Derek Renshaw led his band to a comprehensive victory in the First Section.

Rivals Yorkshire Imps claimed a podium finish, whilst Elland Silver came second in the Third Section and City of Bradford ended sixth in the Second.

Long odds winners

As befits a contest held on a race course, there were a few pre-contest long shots at the bookies that upset the odds to claim a National title, with South Milford from the North of England Area snatching a memorable victory in the Second Section.

On an encouraging weekend for the area, Shepherd Group secured a top six finish in the First Section.

Happy Londoners

Meanwhile, there was no doubting who was perhaps the happiest Regional Secretary on show on the weekend as a beaming Dave Hobbs revelled in the long overdue ‘double’ from Hitchin in the Third Section and Norfolk Wherry in the Fourth – the first time the region has produced two National champions in the same year.

The area also celebrated perhaps their finest overall returns for many years with Becontree also claiming a top six finish in the First Section.

there was no doubting who was perhaps the happiest Regional Secretary on show on the weekend as a beaming Dave Hobbs revelled in the long overdue ‘double’ from Hitchin in the Third Section and Norfolk Wherry in the Fourth4BR

Consistent North West

There was to be no success for the powerhouse North West Area for a second year in a row, although eight of their eleven qualifiers claimed top six finishes.

Failed attempts

Wales, Scotland, Midlands, West of England also failed in their attempt to capture National title winning trophies.

The long run of recent Welsh success at the Finals came to end, with Burry Port coming closest to maintain the record by coming runner up in the First Section, with Llwydcoed fifth in the Second.

One top six

Scotland meanwhile had just the one top six finish to celebrate in the Third Section with Jedforest Instrumental, whilst the Midlands came close to winning the Second Section with Bilton (Silver (Rugby) in second place. Ireland Colliery came sixth in the Fourth Section.

The West of England, who last year headed home with two National titles to their name could only secure a single podium finish this time around with Andover in the Fourth Section to go with just the one other top six finish.

Full news reports

Full news reports from each section will be up on 4BR later today to compliment our comprehensive live coverage from the weekend. Retrospectives will appear later this week.

Reports & Results:

Report & Results: 2012 First Section National Final
http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=15799#.UGA2wo2PWgw

Report & Results: 2012 Second Section National Final
http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=15782#.UGA2p42PWgw

Report & Results: 2012 Third Section National Final
http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=15791#.UGA2i42PWgw

Report & Results: 2012 Fourth Section National Final
http://www.4barsrest.com/news/detail.asp?id=15787#.UGA2Wo2PWgw