Whitburn ensured that they finally got rid of their seven-year itch to get back to the British Open Championship by winning the Grand Shield in impressive fashion in Blackpool.

Conducted by Prof Nicholas Childs, the quality of their mid-point 'Reflections on Swan Lake' proved to be a 'clear winner' in the opinion of judge's Allan Ramsay and Steve Sykes, as they returned to Symphony Hall for the first time since 2010 with a performance of high-class style and considerable well-prepared substance.

Delivered with a level of self-belief that has been an increasing hallmark of their partnership with the Black Dyke Director of Music, their warm, balanced ensemble playing was enhanced by outstanding soloists, in what Allan described in his written remarks as; '…an excellent performance from start to finish, with great band sound and style. Soloists all performed with class and style. Well directed and very enjoyable to listen to. Very well done.'

Meanwhile, the succinct appraisal from Steve Sykes neatly summed things up, as he wrote; 'A high quality performance and great direction too.'

Ingrained confidence

Few who sat through the 20 varied and variable interpretations of Stephen Roberts' stamina sapping test would have disagreed that they did not deserve to end their prolonged Grand Shield stay. Despite some minor blemishes, the Scottish Champion performed with a level of ingrained confidence that will see them head to the Autumn 'majors' as potential dark-horses for top-six honours.

Further down the contesting line, they can now concentrate all their efforts on the European Championships in Utrecht in 2018 knowing that if they can continue to build on this level of excellence they could also make a significant mark there too.

"This is absolutely brilliant,"an understandably delighted Band Manager Dave Kinross told 4BR, as he admitted that there was to be a long night of Scottish celebration in returning home by bus with the famous Shield for the second time in their history (they also won it in 1991).

"This victory has been a long time coming, especially after so many near misses in the last few years. I think there will be a few sore heads in the morning."

Tribute

Dave also paid tribute to conductor Prof Nicholas Childs. "His connection to us has been key to our growing success,"he said. "He's brought a level of professionalism that has rubbed off on everyone.

The confidence within the band is amazing. We have a settled team of committed players and the ambition to keep improving. The return to the British Open has been one of the major ambitions met for the year — but now we aim to build on that."

Meanwhile, the delighted professional MD, who picked up his third Grand Shield success, was full of praise for the Scots. "I really enjoy coming up to work with Whitburn. They are a fine band built on solid foundations. The players deserve this success for the hard work and commitment they put in once again."

He added: "The Grand Shield means a great deal to me — as it was the contest where I made my playing debut in 1976 as second baritone as my father led Tredegar to success. It was great to be able to show the Shield to my mother and then enjoy the celebrations with the band on stage."

Wingates end longer wait

Also ending an even longer wait to return to the British Open was Wingates, as one of the historic names of banding claimed their Symphony Hall place for the first time since 1999 — aided by the excellent 'Best Instrumentalist' contribution of principal cornet Andy MacDonald.

Their flamboyant rendition under MD Paul Andrews as the last band of the day saw them pip Reg Vardy, who took to the stage before them to produce an evocative account led by Russell Gray that many thought would secure the North of England contender's Open return for the first time since 2013.

It was not to be though, as the Grand Shield once again proved its ability to conjure up last minute drama.

"I wanted to bring the ballet music to life — especially the different dance elements,"Paul later told 4BR. "We took some risks but they paid off. This has been a long time coming for the band and for me. I made my only conducting appearance at the Open in 1994, so it's great to be able to return 23 years later!"

He added: "I'm even happier though for Andy and the players who give everything in terms of loyalty and character. This is another great step towards getting the band firmly re-established in the top echelon of contesting."

Disappointed

The long wait to return to the British Open continues for a disappointed Reg Vardy though.

They were left rue perhaps just a couple too many minor blemishes in a performance richly imbued in musical character, whilst in contrast, fourth placed NASUWT Riverside will have returned to the North of England further boosted by their best ever Spring Festival finish after giving a bold, purposeful account under David Roberts.

Elsewhere, pre-contest favorites Virtuosi GUS seemed curiously wayward in both style and execution as they ended fifth, whilst Woodfalls impressed many with their compact rendition to eventually end sixth.

Twin elements

Style and substance were certainly the twin elements that separated the best from the rest according to the judges, with Allan Ramsay giving a thoughtful pre-results analysis that ensured nobody was left in any doubt to what the duo had been listening for throughout a long, but enjoyable day in the box.

"The winners were clear for us,"Allan Ramsay later told 4BR. "We have to say we felt sorry for the band in third as it was really close for that second place spot.

It was an interesting contest from start to finish, with the piece being a true 'test' of all the bands. The top three really stood out as others found great difficulty with the different balletic dance styles — the waltz especially. Tempo choices and transitions also caused problems, as did the aggression in some of playing. The best bands overcame those tests, but far too many didn't."

Fascinating

The fascinating, and at times bewildering array of interpretations on the day certainly ensured that the contest was never one that saw a consensus emerge over an over-whelming favourite for the title — although most listeners felt it was a closely fought battle between the finely honed contest delivery of Whitburn, against the drama packed ballet aspirations of Reg Vardy.

Others though certainly made a mark — from the confident no-nonsense approaches of Woodfalls, NASUWT Riverside and Hammonds Saltaire, to the more esoteric interpretations of Hepworth and Tongwynlais, the rather high-risk idiosyncrasies displayed by Wingates and Camborne, and the hit and miss take by Virtuosi GUS.

Bizarre

Elsewhere more fundamental errors in execution and misplaced aggression (some of the soprano playing was bizarrely over the top) put pay to any British Open ambition. The relegated quartet of Burry Port, Northop Silver, Unite the Union and Llywdcoed will now contemplate a return in the Senior Cup.

However, there will be no return to Blackpool for at least two years for Whitburn and Wingates, as their qualification successes finally ended their long term itches of Grand Shield frustration.

Others though will be left to endure the scratch marks for at least another year.

I really enjoy coming up to work with Whitburn. They are a fine band built on solid foundations. The players deserve this success for the hard work and commitment they put in once againWinning MD, Prof Nicholas Childs

Results:

The Grand Shield:

The Opera House
Test Piece: Reflections on Swan Lake (Stephen Roberts)
Adjudicators: Allan Ramsay and Steve Sykes

1. Whitburn (Prof. Nicholas Childs)*
2. Wingates (Paul Andrews)*
3. Reg Vardy (Russell Gray)
4. NASUWT Riverside (David Roberts)
5. Virtuosi GUS (Adam Cooke)
6. Woodfalls (Dr Robert Childs)
7. Hepworth (Leigh Baker)
8. Camborne Town (Kevin Mackenzie)
9. Aldbourne (David Johnson)
10. Ashton-under-Lyne (Philip Chalk)
11. Thoresby Colliery (Ian McElligott)
12. Hammonds Saltaire (Morgan Griffiths)
13. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Ben Dixon)
14. Tongwynlais Temperance (Michael Fowles)
15. Rainford (Gareth Brindle)
16. Kirkintilloch (Bryan Allen)
17. Llwydcoed (Chris Turner)**
18. Unite the Union (John Roberts) **
19. Northop Silver (Paul Hughes)**
20. Burry Port Town (Andrew Jones)**

Best Instrumentalist: Andy MacDonald (cornet) Wingates

*Promoted to British Open
**Relegated to Senior Cup