A curiously half deserted Opera House for the top section results ceremony perhaps told its own tale: Foden's 21st victory at the North West Regional Championship in Blackpool was as expected as it was comprehensive.

Those who stayed for the denouement were in no doubt of that either after the defending champion had earlier given a formidable rendition of Kevin Norbury's 'Odyssey' from its deadened stage acoustic: It was of such granular detail and razor-edged clarity that it was obvious it was a class apart. The result simply confirmed things for the record books.

Sixth time

And those will show that the hat-trick success was also the sixth time Foden's had been led to victory by Prof Nicholas Childs.

His 32nd Area title was one of his most imposing: He will head to Huddersfield this weekend armed with an interpretation of such well-defined purpose that if Black Dyke play close to his old Sandbach band there, they too could be celebrating another title winning success.

Although not faultless, it was a performance that oozed ensemble and individual confidence; the MD allowing enough leeway for tactful expression, whilst in the 'flying' section you could almost feel the flicker of the bar lines like mileposts in a drag race as Foden's motored their way to a triumphant conclusion that sealed victory by a clear cut margin.

Fine band

Speaking to 4BR after the results the MD was keen to focus all the praise on the band for their efforts. "It's always good to work with old friends and Foden's are such a fine band,"he said.

"The players responded to everything I asked of them and the performance on stage spoke volumes for the way in which they prepare under Mike Fowles. My thanks go to them all."

And as for Huddersfield? "That's another contest day,"he said with a smile, before adding. "Black Dyke is playing very well though..."

Rejuvenated Leyland

The well-beaten rivals here were led by a rejuvenated Leyland — with Thomas Wyss leading them back to the Albert Hall for the first time since 2013 with a vibrant performance inspired along the same lines (with prize winning 'Best Percussion'), if not quite within touching distance, of the champion.

However, there was a subdued sense for disappointment for another third place Area finish for Fairey — claiming an unwanted hat-trick of their own behind their fierce rivals; the cultured musicality of Garry Cutt's reading lacking the type of clean edged execution that in comparison hallmarked Foden's rendition with Jim Davies and Derek Broadbent in the box.

Lot of discussion

That was also brought into sharp focus with the screams of delight of VBS Poynton, as they secured fourth spot with a robust performance under Stig Maersk that Jim Davies later revealed to the audience that had only been decided upon after "a lot of discussion".

There was also joy for 2017 First Section National Champion Pemberton Old Wigan DW as they secured a fine fifth place, whilst a solid Wingates in sixth will have offset any disappointment of not returning to the Albert Hall for the second time in three years by the news that their popular tuba player Andy Mooney has been making a good recovery after being rushed to hospital with a suspected heart attack after playing on stage.

Catch bands out

'Odyssey' may not be the most memorable of top section pieces of recent vintage, but as Jim Davies said before the announcement of the results, it still contained, "enough places to catch bands out".

With Foden's and Leyland in clearly defined areas of qualification quality of their own (the judges stating they had "no problem"picking them) and with Fairey and VBS Poynton in a close battle some way behind, Derek revealed that the duo were somewhat disappointed by the overall standard of the bands making up the minor placings and below; revealing that they felt that too many were simply "frantic"in the quicker sections.

There was little hint of that with Foden's however; Derek's written adjudication remarks calling theirs "...a performance of musical merit with many things to commend", whilst Jim Davies referred to it as, "well directed"and spotlighting the "lovely soloists"- the pick seeing soprano player Richard Poole become the first recipient of the impressive Thomas Reynolds & Sons Memorial Trophy.

Dedication

And although the taste of that 21st victory was helped by some extra time for celebration in the nearest bar (the First Section contest was running way over time), Foden's Band Manager Mark Wilkinson told 4BR that their success was also tinged with sadness following the death of former horn player David Newton.

He told 4BR: "As always we have been inundated with messages of congratulations from all over the banding world following our success.

Our thanks go to Prof Childs who once again inspired the band to give an outstanding performance. To win six times and to achieve a double hat-trick together is very special — and oddly the last three have come off the number 5 draw.

Michael Fowles once again did a fantastic job ensuring we were fully prepared ahead of Nick's visits, especially due to our hectic schedule prior to the contest, and we would like to dedicate the victory to the memory of David Newton, a former solo horn with the band who passed away on Saturday shortly after some band members had visited him."

It was both a fitting and commanding tribute.

Our thanks go to Prof Childs who once again inspired the band to give an outstanding performance. To win six times and to achieve a double hat-trick together is very special — and oddly the last three have come off the number 5 drawMark Wilkinson

Results:

Championship Section:

Adjudicators: Derek Broadbent & Jim Davies

1. Foden's (Prof Nicholas Childs)*
2. Leyland (Thomas Wyss)*
3. Fairey (Garry Cutt)**
4. Vernon Building Society Poynton (Stig Maersk)
5. Pemberton Old Wigan DW (Ben Dixon)
6. Wingates (Paul Andrews)
7. Longridge (Mark Peacock)
8. TCTC Group (Jef Sparkes)
9. Rainford (Gareth Brindle)
10. Milnrow (Mark Bentham)
11. Ashton-under-Lyne (Philip Chalk)

Best Soprano: Richard Poole (Foden's)
Best Percussion: Leyland
Youngest Player: Adam Penlington (15)

**Fairey pre-qualified for the National Final at the Royal Albert Hall
*Qualify for the National Final at the Royal Albert Hall