Marathons can be enjoyable events — not all are lung-bursting, knee ruining tramps through unforgiving tarmac routes to glory.

And so it was with a cracking Second Section contest that saw 18 well-matched bands give of their best to try and capture one of the three qualification places on offer — ones eventually going to fine performances from LGB Brass, St Sebastian Wokingham and Milton Keynes Brass.

Just behind them came well-directed efforts from Wantage Concert Brass, Horsham Borough and Chinnor Sliver, with all the remaining contenders emerging with a great deal of credit for their efforts.

Enjoyed

Not surprisingly, adjudicators Tom Davoren and Leigh Baker enjoyed themselves alongside a thoroughly engaged audience that included the composer of 'Ex Terra Lucem', Jonathan Bates who listened to every performance of his piece.

He left his Manchester home at 6.00am to battle through the snow and was rewarded for his efforts by a host of splendid efforts that brought rich characterisation out of each of the three movements.

No wonder he got a deserved round of applause as he took to the stage for the results ceremony; not only complimenting the contenders on their playing, but comparing them favourably to the other 44 renditions he'd heard over the last few weekends.

Higher standard

Tom also won over the audience with his assertion that the overall standard was higher than what he'd heard judging at the North West Regional Championship. In his opinion there was "no poor performance".

The winner gave the duo a rendition that was in his words, "well structured, tuneful and balanced", whilst Leigh pinpointed the success of the best bands came with their "cool"approach to the rhythmic motifs found in the first and third movements — "not rushed"and "always consistent".

And although the pair were sat behind a tented screen, the ability to "entertain"with the music on such a descriptive piece was a key factor.

No one better

LGB Brass (Lewes, Glynde & Beddingham) certainly did that — and off the number 1 draw.

They set the tone for what was to follow, but in the judge's opinion no one did it better than Ian Stewart's outfit (he also enjoyed success with Friary Guildford to round off a great weekend), whose thoroughly convincing account of clarity and control marked them out.

Five years after winning the Third Section National title, they return once more to Cheltenham as a band to fear.

Excellent runner-up

The nearest someone came to knocking them of their perch was with St Sebastian Wokingham under John Watts, with a secure performance of warmth and imagination to ultimately finish an excellent runner-up and return to the Final for the second time in three years.

Meanwhile, a delighted Milton Keynes Brass continued on their recent run of fine form by coming third under the experienced Jonathan Mott.

He later told 4BR:"The band has worked very hard and maintained consistently good results over the last 12 months resulting in this qualification and promotion. 12 months ago we had a plan to achieve this and it's nice to see this coming to fruition."

And whilst there may be some disappointment for the supporters of Wantage Concert Brass, Horsham Borough and Chinnor (and perhaps a few others who all delivered splendidly colourful accounts), all will have left this particular contest better bands for their efforts — none more so than an excellent 2018 Champion.

The winner gave the duo a rendition that was in his words, "well structured, tuneful and balanced"4BR

Result:

Second Section:

Test Piece: Ex Terra Lucem (Jonathan Bates)
Adjudicators: Leigh Baker & Tom Davoren

1. LGB Brass (Ian Stewart)*
2. St Sebastian Wokingham (John Watts)*
3. Milton Keynes Brass (Jonathan Mott) *
4. Wantage Concert Brass (David Hayward)
5. Horsham Borough (Mark McLaughlin)
6. Chinnor Silver (David Pegram)
7. Soham Comrades (Mark Ager)
8. Waterbeach (Andrew Kershaw)
9. Tilbury (Ben Jones)
10. BAE Systems (Melvin White)
11. Yiewsley & West Drayton (Christopher Cole)
12. Welwyn Garden City (Graham Chambers)
13. Epsom & Ewell Silver (Paul Graham)
14. Fairlop Brass (Kevin Jordan)
15. Littleport Brass (Nicholas Garman)
16. Hungerford Town (Tim Crouter)
17. Cold Ash Brass (Jemma Johnstone)
18. Castleton Brass (Peter Ryan)

*Qualify for National Final

Best Basses: Chinnor Silver
Best Trombones: Wantage Concert Brass