With wins already secured by Usk and Ebbw Valley over their section rivals, the 2015 National Finals 'coup de grace' for Welsh banding was delivered with a stunning display of mature musical proficiency by Goodwick.

Worthy of any title

Theirs was a performance worthy of winning any championship title, let along one that will now see the Pembrokeshire band rub shoulders with the likes of Cory and Tredegar at the Welsh Area in Swansea in March next year — joined by their counterparts and runner-up, City of Cardiff (Melingriffth).

On this form Philip Harper and Ian Porthouse will be glancing nervously over their shoulders at the Brangwyn Hall.

Bold effort

It was left to a bold effort from North West champion Roberts Bakery to push the two Welsh bands the closest, whilst a persuasive account from Newtongrange ended fourth ahead of Unison Kinneil and Haverhill.

However, what made Goodwick's success all the more impressive was the way in which conductor Matthew Jenkins and his young band went about their business on what was their sixth successive Finals appearance.

Commitment

Whilst Prof Roger Webster and Paul Holland expertly identified the problems far too many bands imposed on themselves with 'less than 100% commitment' to Kenneth Hesketh's austere, but engrossing test piece, Goodwick simply revelled in the transparent, contemporary language of 'The Alchymist's Journal' — a display of musical bilingualism that would have made any Welsh nationalist proud.

Pulled no punches

Both Roger and Paul pulled no punches in their pre-results addresses; plainly and very clearly setting out what they had been looking for and what they had heard.

"It made it easy to place the bands today,"Paul said.

"All were of a fairly good standard — nothing atrocious or terrible. The first and second placed bands had a terrific understanding of the music — it came to life and made it thoroughly enjoyable to listen to.

It is a bit of a 'Marmite' piece I'm sure, but it is the sort of music that needs commitment and understanding to be played well."

Chore

Roger was equally precise. "Some bands sounded as if they enjoyed it (the piece), some sounded as if it was a chore,"he said.

"It was obvious to us that there was less than 100% commitment at times from players and MDs — not what was required on a piece like this. The best bands in the prizes really produced high quality playing — the winners especially."

The judges written remarks certainly reflected their later thoughts: "A performance that was gripping from first bar to last", Paul Holland wrote, whilst Roger stated; "A great reading and matched by some really fine ensemble work."

Heart and soul

That was something Goodwick's MD was delighted to read as he talked to 4BR. "We put heart and soul into this performance — everyone involved in the band.

We have enjoyed success here over the years (they won the Second Section in 2013) but this is the one we really wanted more than anything after we came away last year so disappointed. We really enjoyed the challenge of the piece — and I think it made us a better band.

Now we have to work even harder though in the top section — although I think we will enjoy this victory for a while yet!"

Loss of players

That little breather will see Goodwick coming to terms with losing five of their gifted players to university — all of who have grown up and been developed by Matthew since he took up the reins of the band in 2009.

"That's going to be hard of course, but we are so proud of what they have all achieved and their commitment and dedication to us over the years,"he added. "Now it's the time for a new generation to come through."

However, one player who will remain firmly at his side is his brother Luke, who took the 'Best Instrumentalist' award with a display remarked upon by Paul as 'a masterclass'.

"He's not bad,"Matthew laughed. "I'm so lucky to have him in the band though — he inspires everyone, including me, with his playing."

Impressive marker

With City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) setting the impressive early marker from the number 4 draw under Nigel Seaman's expert direction, fancied runners came and went as the contest developed through to its 9.00pm close.

It very nearly held its own to the end with its well crafted lines and flowing musicality, only beaten as Goodwick left the stage as the penultimate band.

Persuasive

In between persuasive performances from the likes of Newtongrange (who followed Cardiff on stage to come fourth) failed in their brave assaults, before the late draw quartet of Unison Kinneil (fifth), Roberts Bakery (third), Haverhill (sixth) and finally, Goodwick set out their various prize winning stalls.

Behind them came bands that only partly managed to combine technical security with musical understanding, as once again the variable overall standard of First Section banding came under the microscope.

Future development

Many bands here would surely benefit from another year of development at this level — although as both Roger and Paul pointed out, many were not helped by sounding as if they could not find any enjoyment in a work that obviously failed to inspire their MDs.

No such problems for Goodwick though — the result of which will see the next stage in their remarkable musical development see them lock horns with the heavyweights of Welsh banding.

They thoroughly deserve the opportunity.

We have enjoyed success here over the years but this is the one we really wanted more than anything after we came away last year so disappointed. We really enjoyed the challenge of the piece — and I think it made us a better bandMatthew Jenkins

Result:

Sunday 20th September
Test Piece: 'The Alchymist's Journal' (Kenneth Hesketh)
Adjudicators: Paul Holland and Dr Roger Webster

1. Goodwick (Matthew Jenkins)
2. City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) (Nigel Seaman)
3. Roberts Bakery (Simon Stonehouse)
4. Newtongrange Silver (Lee Skipsey)
5. Unison Kinneil (Craig Anderson)
6. Haverhill (Mark Ager)
7. Unite the Union (City of Sheffield) (David Hirst)
8. Roche Brass (Tom Davoren)
9. Westoe (Huw Thomas)
10. Freckleton (Paul Dalton)
11. Kirkbymoorside Town (John Woodward)
12. Gresley Colliery (Simon Jones)
13. Shirley Band (David Bishop-Rowe)
14. Jackfield Elcock Reisen (Simon Platford)
15. Fulham (John Ward)
16. Strata Brass (Derek Renshaw)
17. Yeovil Town (David Hayward)

Best Instrumentalist: Luke Jenkins (Principal Cornet) — Goodwick Brass