The Reg Vardy Band received a huge contesting boost of confidence ahead of its National Final appearance in London in a few weeks time, by successfully defending its Doctor Martin Wainstone Cup title.

Fourth time

Under the direction of John Roberts they secured the substantial £4,000 first prize for the fourth time since 2010, beating local rivals East Yorkshire Motor Services by a single point over the three disciplines of own-choice march, solo item and own-choice test piece selection. North- west challengers, Rainford was third ahead of Staffordshire in fourth.

Reg Vardy performed their own-choice march, 'Knight Templar' followed by principal cornet Phil Tait giving a fine rendition of 'Concert Piece for Cornet' by James Curnow.

They rounded off their programme with an outstanding performance of Peter Graham's 'On the Shoulders of Giants', which overturned a two point deficit on their rivals to secure the honours by the narrowest of margins.

Pushed close

There was plenty of fine music to enjoy throughout the day from the 11 competitors at the new home of the Princess Alexandra auditorium at Yarm School, with EYMS under Alan Morrison pushing Reg Vardy all the way to the finishing line.

However, despite topping the marks from adjudicator John Doyle with their march, 'Senator' and with principal cornet Neil Day producing a stunning performance of 'Deborah's Theme' by Ennio Morricone to take the 'Best Soloist Award', they had to be content with second place and a prize package worth £2,500.

Just a hint of tiredness and a few too many small blemishes in their rousing account of 'Arabian Nights' cost them a chance of taking the title for the first time.

Brilliant win

"It's a brilliant win,"Reg Vardy's MD John Roberts later told 4BR: "EYMS produced an excellent performance and I was a little bit nervous when the first two awards were announced, but the quality of our playing on such a difficult test piece was top class and deservedly ensured we retained the title."

Shared opinion

That was an opinion also shared by adjudicator John Doyle when speaking to 4BR. "The top two bands really did stand out with their overall quality,"he said.

"There was little to choose between them on the march and solo items, but Reg Vardy produced a very fine account of their test piece which was a little way clear of a very good EYMS behind them."

Solo praise

John was also full of praise for all the soloists on the day — but especially the prize winning playing of Neil Day of EYMS.

"That was such class playing,"he said. "There were some wonderful efforts from all the featured performers, but he captured the emotion without a hint of struggle even at the top end of the range."

Not suited

John did add however that some of the choices made by bands didn't really suit their obvious strengths.

"I've played all the test pieces chosen and know all their pitfalls well,"he said. "There were some clever choices, but others just found that in such a concentrated playing set-up stamina and concentration faded as they struggled to maintain their earlier good form."

Vardy power

Stamina and concentration were certainly two important aspects for the winners Reg Vardy as they powered through the demanding sections of the former British Open set work to claim victory.

"That's come with having a settled team — one that has got stronger in key positions and throughout the ensemble over the last year or so,"John Roberts added.

"I think the band is now in with a very good chance under Russell Gray to push for the top six at London. This win has certainly given us the confident achieve that and more."

EYMS confidence

EYMS will also take great confidence as they look towards the Albert Hall after their fine performances, which also included a cracking rendition of 'Arabian Nights', whilst an ecstatic Rainford showed their emerging top flight qualities with a fine account of 'Vita Aeternum Variations' as their own choice selection as they returned home £1,000 better off.

Fourth placed Staffordshire will also be happy with their well solid showing (and £500 return) on 'Giants', as well as showcasing a classy flugel soloist Izzy Rutherford on 'Eyes of a Child'.

The final top six places went to Fishburn under Joseph Cook and Thoresby conducted by Leigh Baker.

Varied

On day of varied and at times variable playing though there were highlights from each of the bands — as John Doyle pointed out.

"Everyone brought something to the table. Overall consistency was the key though — the best bands had it throughout their trio of performances whilst others could only do its one or perhaps twice."

Report and image by Steve Jack

I think the band is now in with a very good chance under Russell Gray to push for the top six at London. This win has certainly given us the confident achieve that and moreMD, John Roberts

Results:
Adjudicator: John Doyle

March/Solo/Set Work = Total

1. Reg Vardy (John Roberts): 47/47/98 = 192
2. EYMS (Alan Morrison): 48/48/95 = 191
3. Rainford (Gareth Brindle): 45/45/93 = 183
4. Staffordshire (Dave Purkiss): 46/44/92 = 182
5. Fishburn (Joseph Cook): 44/46/91 = 181
6. Thoresby Colliery (Leigh Baker): 43/43/90 = 176
7. Wingates (Paul Andrews): 42/42/88 = 172
8. Yorkshire Imperial Urquhart Travel (Stig Maersk): 41/40/87 = 168
9. Easington Colliery (Chris Bentham): 40/41/85 = 166
10. Marsden Silver (Andrew Warriner): 39/39/84 = 162
11. York Railway Institute (Chris Hirst): 38/38/83 = 159

Best March: Senator (EYMS
Best Soloist: Neil Day (EYMS)