Cory confirmed their reputation as the pre-eminent contesting outfit in the banding world with victory at the National Championship Final in London.

It was the first time that the Albert Hall has echoed to celebratory cheers from the players of the Rhondda band since the year 2000, as conducted by Philip Harper they delivered a superb performance of Edward Gregson’s ‘Of Distant Memories’ to claim the title.

Not unlucky 13

The number 13 draw was certainly not an unlucky number (providing the winning draw for the first time since 1979), as they reversed the result of the British Open and ended their long wait for a sixth National triumph with an account full of detail, power and lyricism, described by the judges as ‘magnificent’.

In doing so they also snatched away Tredegar’s hopes of claiming an historic ‘Double’, although Ian Porthouse’s band underlined their major title winning credentials with an outstanding rendition off the early number five draw to finish a close runner-up.

Yorkshire celebrations

Despite another Welsh lock out of the top two places, there were celebrations tinged with a Yorkshire accent to be heard in the bars around Kensington on Saturday night, as a delighted Carlton Main Frickley produced an excellent performance under Phillip McCann to come third.

In addition, a very happy Professor David King and Brighouse & Rastrick snatched the final pre-qualification place for the 2014 finals off the dreaded number 1 draw (the first time it has been done since 1984) helped by the prize winning contribution of ‘Best Instrumentalist’ award winner, David Thornton on euphonium.

Team effort

As Cory players gleefully took turns to hold the huge National Trophy in their grasp, Philip Harper took time to accept the countless celebrations from supporters, rivals and neutrals alike before finally holding the cup aloft.

"It’s been an incredible team effort," he said.

"I knew an amazing performance was unfolding before me. What can I say? Everyone — soloists, ensemble and band management deserve this for the work and commitment they have put into it. It was an honour to conduct such a band today — this was their victory."

Although Band Manager Austin Davies didn’t break into an impromptu rendition of ‘Land of My Father’s from the stage on this winning occasion, he did reveal he was ready to lead the victory celebrations well into the night.

"We have waited for so long for this," he said. "It was a very special winning performance from Philip and the band — and I think it is going to be a very special night too!"

Engrossing day

Cory’s deserved victory was announced at the end of an engrossing day of high class competition, with performances to savour from start to finish according to the judges.

Derek Broadbent (who was joined in the box by David Read MBE and Alan Morrison) later illustrated how close it was between the Welsh heavyweights by holding a small gap between his finger and thumb, whilst David also confirmed that the top four bands were a margin ahead of the rest of their rivals.

"What a wonderful test piece and a wonderful winner we had today," David said on what was his farewell appearance in the Albert Hall box.

"It was a magnificent performance, closely followed by Tredegar, with the third and fourth just a bit further behind. These bands were ahead of the rest for us, although there were fine performances to enjoy from the first to last today."

Return to Grimey form

Despite a rousing ovation from the packed hall there was to be no fairy tale victory for Grimethorpe, although their army of fans will have been delighted to see the band return to long overdue major form in coming fifth under the baton of Dr Robert Childs.

Meanwhile, supporters of Woodfalls will also have celebrated long into the London night as Dr Nicholas Childs led them to their highest ever finish to end sixth (and the first time a West of England band had featured in prizes since 1994) on the piece that was dedicated to him and his brother.

Straw poll

A straw poll of listeners held by 4BR around the hall before the announcement of the results had Cory as favourites for the title, ahead of Tredegar and Grimethorpe, with Carlton Main also in the mix.

Little wonder then that David Read was given the warmest of receptions when he was presented with silver salver to mark his last appearance as a judge at the event, after his team reached a decision that broached little or no argument from the audience.

Favour

With Edward Gregson’s test piece also receiving overwhelming favour with listeners and performers alike, there were echoes of distant memories with the start of the contest delayed for 10 minutes due to the clamour for last minute tickets.

The composer himself was also visibly touched by the response he received after thanking the 20 bands for producing such a memorable competition on his thoroughly engaging work.

He later told 4BR: "It’s been a wonderful contest, with so many fine interpretataions to enjoy — especially from Cory. That was a fabulous performance."

Power base

The overall result means that axis of ‘National power’ now balances between Wales and Yorkshire, with the regions now sending 40% of the competitors to the 2014 event with four bands each.

However, Wales will certainly lay claim to being the current powerhouse of UK banding with four of the five UK National, as well as the European, British Open, Brass in Concert and All England Masters titles now residing in the Principality.

Brave defence

It also means that there will be a keen battle for just two places in the North West next March as defending champion Foden’s was unable to overcome the late loss of principal cornet Mark Wilkinson.

Despite their brave efforts, led by stand in principal cornet Anna Hughes-Williams, too many unforced errors undermined their title defence as they ended 11th — their lowest finish since 1993.

Area champion Leyland returned to form after their disappointing British Open to finish seventh, with North of England favourites Reg Vardy also producing their best result since 2009 to end eighth.

Solid top ten

Solidly delivered performances from Scottish and West of England champions Whitburn and Flowers filled the remaining top ten slots, with Milnrow once again giving notice of their top flight credentials to lead home the midfield finishers of Jaguar Land Rover, Northop and NASUWT Riverside.

There was an emotional final Albert Hall appearance with Virtuosi GUS for John Berryman, although his band could not be inspired as they ended a lowly sixteenth.

Meanwhile, there was a mixture of disappointment and predictability about the bottom four finishers of Friary Guildford, Kirkintilloch, Tongwynlais Temperance and Regent Brass.

For National Championship promoters Kapitol Promotions, the decision to utilise a set work that harked back to the glory years of the competition at Crystal Palace proved a huge success, with audience numbers significantly up once again.

"It’s been an incredible day," Philip Morris told 4BR.

You suspect it was a feeling shared by everyone associated with Cory Band too.

Iwan Fox

A full retrospective and other articles will appear on 4BR as soon as possible.

I knew an amazing performance was unfolding before me. What can I say? Everyone — soloists, ensemble and band management deserve this for the work and commitment they have put into itMD, Philip Harper

Results
Test Piece: 'Of Distant Memories' (Music in an Olden Style) — Prof Edward Gregson
Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent, David Read MBE, Alan Morrison

1. Cory (Philip Harper) (13)*
2. Tredegar (Ian Porthouse) (5)*
3. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery (Phillip McCann) (7)*
4. Brighouse & Rastrick (Prof. David King) (1)*
5. Grimethorpe Colliery (Dr Robert Childs) (19)
6. Woodfalls (Dr Nicholas Childs) (8)
7. Leyland (Michael Bach) (18)
8. Reg Vardy (Russell Gray) (4)
9. Whitburn (Erik Janssen) (14)
10. Flowers (Paul Holland) (9)
11. Foden's (Allan Withington) (17)
12. Milnrow (Mareika Gray) (20)
13. Jaguar Land Rover (Dave Lea) (3)
14. Northop Silver (Thomas Wyss) (16)
15. NASUWT Riverside (Ray Farr) (12)
16. Virtuosi GUS (John Berryman) (11)
17. Friary Guildford (Chris King) (2)
18. Kirkintilloch (David Roberts) (15)
19. Tongwynlais Temperance (Steve Sykes) (10)
20. Regent Brass (Alan Duguid) (6)

Best Instrumentalist: David Thornton (euphonium)- Brighouse & Rastrick
Youngest Player: Romana Halstead (Leyland)

* Top 4 pre-qualify for 2014 National Final