A winning performance every bit as commanding as that of any by the great Gold Cup favourite Arkle here in Cheltenham, saw Ebbw Valley claim its second successive National title on Sunday afternoon.

Outstanding

Under the direction of Gareth Ritter, the 2013 Fourth Section champion from the former South Wales steelworks town delivered a performance of Victor Ewald's 'Symphony for Brass' of shining Gold Cup brilliance to win in 'outstanding' fashion according to the judges — with few punters in the audience able to disagree.

Behind them came a confident, boldly delivered rendition from Dunaskin Doon to give the delighted Scots second place, whilst Ebbw Valley's Fourth Section National title predecessors Norfolk Wherry, showed they had also made the step up in sectional quality by coming third.

The remaining top six places saw North West representatives Darwen Brass in fourth, with Midlanders Rushden Town and Grimsdyke from London & Southern Counties in fifth and sixth respectively.

Disappointing

The horse racing analogy wouldn't have been far wrong in what proved to be a disappointing contest in terms of overall quality, as the majority of the 18 runners found the rather darkly hued, stodgy score difficult to overcome with fleet footed vibrant enthusiasm.

It was certainly a point alluded to on more than one occasion by the detailed pre-results analysis of adjudicators Mike Kilroy and John Winterflood.

"We had a few issues today on what was a work full of complex writing," Mike told the expectant audience.

"The first 10 bars were difficult and the minor key had an effect on texture and balance. Sometimes the solo and even sub-line was swamped because of a lack of balance and MDs trying to put something into the score that was not written and certainly not needed."

Stern warning

Mike also issued a stern warning to conductors who took the option of trying to imitate the known recordings by top flight bands on the contest stage. "Always adhere to the score not to CD recordings. They are only points of reference. It wasn't appreciated."

No such problems with the new champion though. "They were clear winners — and gave an outstanding performance from start to finish."

Style and form

Meanwhile, John Winterflood also pinpointed the troubles that arose from poor intonation and style, when he spoke to 4BR. "MDs needed to appreciate the style and the form of the writing from which work has been arranged.

There were also substantial intonation problems with many performances and inconsistencies with the percussion — some of which appeared and disappeared."

John added: "Mike and I were in general consensus today with an outstanding winner and quality in the prize winners, but after that it was more troubling."

More space

For Ebbw Valley the only trouble they may now encounter is to find space for yet another trophy, as they continued their remarkable renaissance since reformation in 2011 from the ashes of the struggling Ebbw Vale and Cwm Bands.

"The success we enjoy has come from the belief that by working together you can achieve so much more," a delighted MD Gareth Ritter told 4BR.

Drive

His own enthusiasm and drive has inspired his players over the last three years, enabling him to build a band that balances youth and experience to telling effect — something former Cory flugel horn star Jeff Thomas said had persuaded him to return to banding.

"I was lucky enough to win the National title with Cory four times — the first 40 years ago, but now I want to go on and get the Grand Slam with Ebbw Valley.

We've won the Fourth and the Third, and I believe we can go on and win more in the next few years too."

That would be something that would certainly delight the MD. "Having players of Jeff's experience is a huge bonus, and I want to put down long term foundations for brass banding to flourish in the Ebbw Valley. This is another step towards that."

Early marker

The early marker of significance on a day of inconsistency and error came with Darwen under Steve Hartley off the number 3 draw to eventually finish fourth, whilst Grimsdyke and the uber-confident Dunaskin Doon also made their mark on the judges from draws 5 and 6.

With Ebbw Valley delivering a knock out blow immediately after the comfort break, thanks in no small part to the excellence of their 'Best Instrumentalist' award winner Kevin Moxon on soprano, it was two solidly portrayed accounts from Norfolk Wherry and Rushden that eventually came closest, but not close enough to stopping the Welsh band from winning a second successive National title.

And with the band still hungry for yet more success, the Cheltenham bookies are already cutting their odds on a third successive triumph in 2015.

The success we enjoy has come from the belief that by working together you can achieve so much moreMD, Gareth Ritter

Result

Sunday 21st September
Test Piece: 'Symphony for Brass' — Victor Vladmirovitch Ewald arr Michael E Hopkinson
Commence: 9.30am

Adjudicators: Mike Kilroy and John Winterflood

1. Ebbw Valley (Gareth Ritter)
2. Dunaskin Doon (Gary Williams)
3. Norfolk Wherry Brass (Andrew Craze)
4. Darwen Brass (Steve Hartley)
5. Rushden Town (John Hudson)
6. Grimsdyke (Sharon Broughall)
7. Foss Dyke (Gareth Westwood)
8. East Riding of Yorkshire (Ian Scott)
9. City of Chester (Philip Mottershead)
10. Old Hall Brass (John North)
11. Ammanford Town (Glyn Davies)
12. Tullis Russell Mills Intermediate (Steven Craig)
13. Dinnington Colliery (Jonathan Beatty)
14. Wetherby and District Silver (Keiron Anderson)
15. New Forest (Ian Luxford)
16. Bratton Silver (Simon Carr)
17. Newhall (Kevin Holgate)
18. Ellington Colliery (Jonathan Fenwick)

Best Instrumentalist: Kevin Moxon (Soprano) Ebbw Valley