A solidly delivered rendition of Thierry Deleruyelles's imposing former European Championship and British Open test-piece 'Fraternity' enabled Kingdom Brass to claim the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield title in Perth on the weekend.

On a day when the appropriateness of a number of own-choice selections saw some challengers fail to match execution to ambition, MD Paul Drury's ability to keep a sense of drama and passion bubbling by controlling dynamics and pace saw the Fife band deservedly take the honours by a clear two-point margin from fellow First Section rivals, Newmilns & Galston, with Granite City Brass five points further back in third.

Third successive victory

It was Kingdom's first Scottish Challenge Shield success, and one that rounded off their busy contest season with a third successive contest victory after wins at the Northern Counties Open and Fife Charities Association events, whilst their outstanding principal cornet Dave Prentice was the worthy 'Best Instrumentalist' award winner.

There was little doubt that Kingdom was the band to beat following their mid-point performance, and despite Newmilns & Galston's well-worked rendition of 'Diversions on a Bass Theme' to round off the contest under Alan Cameron, they were never seriously challenged.

However, Newmilns certainly showed that a well chosen work played with technical security and confident soloists was sure to catch the ears of the experienced adjudicators Jim Davies and Kevin Wadsworth after a day of variable quality, especially from other First Section competitors.

Little doubt

There was little doubt in the judge's mind about third placed finishers Granite City either, as their hard working account of 'Purcell Variations' saw them end five points clear of Kilmarnock Concert Brass in fourth, with Clackmannan District Brass and Dunaskin Doon filling up the remaining top-six places.

Although there was little disagreement amongst the small but supportive audience about the destination of the main prizes and with the winners in particular, there were a few surprises to be discussed in the post-contest bar of Perth Concert Hall when the full results were revealed on the multi-media screen in the hall.

Overjoyed

An overjoyed Fourth Section Kilmarnock Brass led by Scott Walker had plenty to celebrate though, as their excellent performance of Brian Kelly's 'Divertimento' saw them finish ahead of no less than five First Section bands and all the remaining Second, Third and Fourth Section contenders.

Defending champion Clackmannan District never quite sounded as if they had totally mastered 'Trittico', although they will have been encouraged by taking the 'Best Second Section Band' accolade ahead of higher section bands.

They included sixth placed Dunaskin Doon, who on this occasion didn't play to the type of form on a slightly hit and miss, 'Tallis Variations' that saw them come in the top-six at the Cheltenham First Section National Finals.

A very happy Dysart Colliery took the 'Best Third Section Band' honours as they finished seventh after giving a super performance of 'Music for a Festival'.

For the judges, the winners and the podium finishers 'were clear', and whilst Kevin Wadsworth commented on some 'very fine playing' throughout the day, he was concerned by the lack of dynamic contrast which blighted far too many performances.

MD Paul Drury's ability to keep a sense of drama and passion bubbling by controlling dynamics and pace saw the Fife band deservedly take the honours by a clear two-point margin4BR

Result:

Adjudicators: Kevin Wadsworth, Jim Davies

1. Kingdom Brass (Paul Drury) — 195
2. Newmilns & Galston (Alan Cameron) — 193
3. Granite City (Bruce Wallace) — 188
4. Kilmarnock Concert Brass (Scott Walker) — 183
5. Clackmannan District (Ross Brotherston) — 180
6. Dunaskin Doon (Chris Bradley) — 176
7. Dysart Colliery (Kenneth Letham) — 175
8. Johnstone Band (Martyn Ramsay) — 174
9. Newmains & District (Mike Marzella) — 173
10. St Ronan's Silver (Kenneth Letham) — 172
11. Unison Kinneil (Raymond Tennant) — 171
12. Langholm Town (Chris Shanks) — 170
13. Penicuik Silver (Iain Fleming) — 169
14. Arbroath Instrumental (Michael Robertson) — 168
15. Perthshire Brass (George D Annan) — 165
16. Coalburn Silver (Gareth Bowman) — 162
17. St David's Brass (John A Dickson) — 160
18. Buckhaven & Methil Miners (Andy Shaw) — 156
19. Barrhead Burgh (Alistair Gibson) — 155

Best Instrumentalist: David Prentice (cornet) — Kingdom Brass

Best First Section Band: Kingdom Brass
Best Second Section Band: Clackmannan District
Best Third Section Band: Dysart Colliery
Best Fourth Section Band: Kilmarnock Concert Brass