Grand Shield champion Hammonds continued their lucrative vein of high quality contesting form as they successfully defended the Hebden Bridge March & Hymn Tune Contest.

Prize package

Led by MD Morgan Griffiths, the Yorkshire band delivered a stirring rendition of the march, 'Knight Templar' to contrast with the warm lyricism of Karl Jenkins' arrangement of 'Abide with Me' to take home to Huddersfield a prize package worth £450 and the Alan Bottomley Shield to place in the trophy cabinet.

Runner-up was North West rival Milnrow, who also took the 'Best Deportment' award, with former five time winner, Marsden Silver Prize in third.

Section awards went to Lindley, Delph and Uppermill, with Elland Silver Youth Band taking the 'Best Youth Band' accolade, helped by the excellent contribution of 'Best Youth Instrumentalist' winner, principal cornet Daniel Clough.

Praise

Adjudicator David Hamilton was full of praise for the winner's performances, noting in particular the contribution of Hammonds' principal cornet Phillip Varley and horn player Zoe Wright.

Band spokesperson Dave Long told 4BR: "We enjoy the unique challenge of the march and hymn tune events, which are such a popular part of the summer contest season in this region. You have to be on the top of your game though as there is literally no time to recover from any mistakes.

We're delighted to maintain the form that saw us claim the Grand Shield and to keep building with a young band that is fully committed to hard work and enjoyment under Morgan Griffiths."

He added: "We had a great day and our thanks got to the organisers. Now our eyes are set on grabbing another title at the Brighouse event on Sunday 1st July before we look ahead to the British Open.

We're delighted to maintain the form that saw us claim the Grand Shield and to keep building with a young band that is fully committed to hard work and enjoyment under Morgan GriffithsHammonds Band

Result:

Adjudicator: David Hamilton
March/Hymn = Total

1. Hammonds: 98/97 = 195
2. Milnrow: 96/96 = 192
3. Marsden Silver Prize: 95/94 = 189
4. Elland Silver: 93/93 = 186
5. DUT Yorkshire Imperial 94/91 = 185
6. Uppermill: 91/90 = 181
7. Audley: 90/89 = 179
8. Elland Silver Youth: 88/87 = 175
9. Littleborough: 87/86 = 173
10. Lindley: 85/88 = 173
11. Delph: 86/85 = 171
12. Hebden Bridge Junior: 84/84 = 168

Best First Section (not in podium prizes): Lindley
Best Second Section (not in podium prizes): Delph
Best Third Section (not in podium prizes): Uppermill
Best Youth Band: Elland Silver Youth

Best Youth Instrumentalist: Daniel Clough (Elland Silver Youth)

Best Road March: DUT Yorkshire Imperial
Best Deportment: Milnrow