Friary Guildford produced the type of commanding performance that is fast becoming a trademark stamp of their contest armoury to confidently retain their grip on the London & Southern Counties Regional title.

Their fourth consecutive success in Stevenage was a class apart from well beaten rivals; MD Chris King bringing a level of technical detail to a strongly delineated musical rendition of 'Odyssey' that sent them to the Albert Hall for a sixth consecutive year and reinforced a welded hold on the regional trophy that shows no sign of weakening any time soon.

Margin amplified

The margin of their success was amplified by the stage remarks and written opinions of the judges Ian Brownbill and Sandy Smith; "a clear winner"Ian said, as well as describing it as "a solid and enjoyable musical performance"in his adjudication.

And whilst there were some post-result grumblings at the end of a long day, the duo certainly gave detailed insight into the reasons behind the battle for the second qualification place, eventually claimed by a thoroughly delighted Thundersley Brass.

It was the accumulation of small, as well as major errors that put pay to the chances of more fancied competitors, with Wantage Silver eventually finishing third ahead of inconsistent but colourful efforts from Zone One Brass, Kidlington Concert Brass and Redbridge Brass.

Really tested

Despite the noticeable fragilities, Sandy remarked that the duo had been "pleasantly surprised"by the overall standard, although they did realise that a number of bands had been "really tested"- something which was reflected in his written remarks.

And whilst Friary encountered problems, the quality of the Woking band's solo playing from award winners Richard Straker, Chris Pannell and their trombone section, was backed a by a rich ensemble texture that was always consistent in balance and cohesion.

It was a highly impressive victory. They could well be a dark horse for potential British Open qualification at the Grand Shield in Blackpool on 'The Triumph of Time' — a rather apt challenge given their recent Area record over the past decade according to spokesperson Lauren Straker.

"Over the last 10 years we have never taken a step back at the Area contest — either improving, or as in the last four, keeping on winning. Chris King has inspired us to work harder and harder, so who knows come Blackpool? We are certainly looking forward to it as we would love to qualify for the British Open."

Admirable Thundersley

And although there were a few raised eyebrows as Thundersley was announced in second place (to claim their first ever Albert Hall appearance), their compact rendition, which recovered after a slightly hesitant start under Nigel Taken's carefully managed direction, was an admirable effort full of good musical sensibilities and execution.

Just over a decade ago the band in the Fourth Section here — so little wonder they celebrated as enthusiastically as the eventual winner. It was a fantastic achievement for the south Essex band — one which will be capped at the Albert Hall in October.

Those who missed out on a trip to Kensington will have known were they had fallen short — especially in the unforgiving acoustic of the Gordon Craig Theatre.

Fluid interpretation

Wantage A will have headed home disappointed to have narrowly missed out on a second Albert Hall appearance in three years, but heartened that their development under Paul Holland has a solidity that should hold them in good stead come the Senior Trophy, whilst Zone One will reflect on a litany of small errors that just tarnished Richard Ward's fluid interpretation.

Kidlington's growing maturity saw them gain a hard working fifth on their first top flight appearance since 2015, although Redbridge (with rumours about who may or may not have been taking them on the day) seemed (perhaps understandably) out of sorts — rather reflecting the obvious pain of their MD Jeremy Wise who bravely hobbled onto the stage ahead of his impending major knee surgery.

Hit and miss

Behind them it was hit and miss stuff — although each of the bands emerged in the credit ledger after a testing examination of their top-flight credentials.

And in respect to Friary Guildford, those credentials now come with an unmistakable stamp of quality — one that may well see their name embossed on the London & Southern Counties Challenge Trophy many more times to come.

It was a highly impressive victory. They could well be a dark horse for potential British Open qualification at the Grand Shield in Blackpool on 'The Triumph of Time' — a rather apt challenge given their recent Area record4BR

Result:

Championship Section:

Test Piece: Odyssey (Kevin Norbury)
Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill & Sandy Smith

1. Friary Guildford (Chris King)*
2. Thundersley (Nigel Taken)*
3. Wantage (Paul Holland)
4. Zone One Brass (Richard Ward)
5. Kidlington Concert Brass (Duncan Wilson)
6. Redbridge (Jeremy Wise)
7. East London Brass (Jayne Murrill)
8. Haverhill Silver (Paul Filby)
9. Aveley & Newham (Alan Duguid)
10. Jersey Premier Brass (Tim Pritchard)
11. Medway (Melvin White)

*Qualify for National Final

Best Cornet: Richard Straker (Friary Guildford)
Best Euphonium: Wantage
Best Horn: Chris Pannell (Friary Guildford)
Best Trombone Section: Friary Guildfod

Withdrawn: Northfleet Brass (David Lewis)