Defending champion Ratby Co-operative Band led the prize winners at the Leicestershire BBA Open contest held at Loughborough Endowed Schools on the weekend.

Conducted by Mareika Gray, their solidly portrayed own-choice selection of 'Fraternity' by Thierry Deleruyelle saw them claim a clear two-point victory over rivals Derwent Brass who performed 'Metropolis 1927', with Lydbrook's 'Between the Moon and Mexico' a point further back in third.

Fine season

Victory rounded off a fine season for the band — one which has also seen them claim victory at the Buxton Festival, a podium finish at the Midlands Area and gain promotion to the Grand Shield. In addition to retaining the title, they are took the 'Best Trombones' award.

2016 winner Derwent Brass had to be content with second place for the second year in a row, although their guest euphonium player Matt Rowe from Flowers Band took the 'Best Instrumentalist' award. Tom Goodman of Lydbrook took the 'Best Horn' accolade.

Sandhurst and South Yorkshire Police victories

A fine performance of 'English Heritage' gave Sandhurst Silver conducted by David Johnson victory in the First Section ahead of AW Parker (Drybrook)'s 'Dances & Alleluias' and Soham Comrades' 'Diversions on a Bass Theme'. Mandy Hamer of AW Parker (Drybrook) took the 'Best Instrumentalist' award.

Earlier, South Yorkshire Police rounded off a memorable contesting year by adding the Second Section title to a CV that already includes the Yorkshire Area and National Championship of Great Britain honours.

Directed by Leigh Baker, their detailed performance of Edward Gregson's classic 'Connotations' gave them victory over Tilbury ('Renaissance') with Bedford Town ('Purcell Variations') in third.

Towcester and Melton win

Towcester Studio Band rounded off their year with a confidence boosting victory in the Third Section.

Under the returning Peter Wain, who conducted the band in the 1980s, they gave a splendid rendition of the forthcoming Butlins Mineworkers Championship test-piece 'Gothic Dances' by Alan Fernie to take the honours ahead of Yorkshire visitors Rockingham and Olney Brass.

Melton Band also rounded off a solid year of contesting achievement as they secured the Fourth Section title and 'Best Trombones' accolade ahead of rivals Maltby Miners Welfare and Matlock. Maltby's soprano player Jonathan Chamber took the 'Best Instrumentalist' award.

Victory rounded off a fine season for Ratby — one which has also seen them claim victory at the Buxton Festival, a podium finish at the Midlands Area and gain promotion to the Grand Shield4BR

Results:

Championship Section:

Adjudicator: Mark Wilkinson

1. Ratby Co-operative (Mareika Gray) -193
2. Derwent Brass (Jack Capstaff) — 191
3. Lydbrook (Glyn Williams) — 190
4. Kidlington Concert (Duncan Wilson) — 187
5. Haverhill Silver (Paul Filby) — 185
6. Hathern Band (Col Stephen Barnwell) — 183
7. Rushden Town (Adele Hudson) — 182

Best Instrumentalist: Matt Rowe (euphonium) — Derwent Brass
Best Trombones: Ratby Co-operative
Best Tenor Horn: Tom Goodman (Lydbrook)

First Section:

Adjudicator: David Hirst
Trainee Adjudicator: Matthew Brown

1. Sandhurst Silver (David Johnson) — 190
2. A W Parker (Joshua Ruck) — 189
3. Soham Comrades (Mark Ager) — 188
4. Bilton Silver (Anthony Hodgetts) — 187
5. City of Cambridge (Philip Fisher) — 186
6. City of Bristol (Ian Holmes) — 185
7. Oddfellows Brass (David Holling) — 184
8. Enderby (Ryan Richards) — 183
9. Harborough (Brad Turnbull) — 182
10. Staines Brass (Jonathan Pippen) — 181
11. Kibworth (Brendan Caddy) — 180
12. Hucknall & Linby MC (Paul Whyley) — 179

Best Instrumentalist: Mandy Hamer (Euphonium) — A W Parker (Drybrook)

Second Section:

Adjudicator: Dave Lea

1. South Yorkshire Police (Leigh Baker)
2. Tilbury (Melvin White)
3. Bedford Town (Craig Patterson)
4. Cockerton Prize Silver (Andrew Hunter)
5. Hade Edge (Chris Binns)
6. Foss Dyke (Ian Scott)
7. City of Coventry (Jonathan Fearn)
8. Rolls Royce (Derby) (Graham Cardwell)
9. Wigston (Rob Boulter)
10. Ireland Colliery (Lindon Bolt)
11. Littleport Brass (Ian Knapton)

Best Instrumentalist: David Sharpe (flugel) — Rolls Royce (Derby)

Third Section:

Adjudicator: Dave Lea

1. Towcester Studio (Peter Wain)
2. Rockingham (Adam Whittle)
3. Olney Brass (Kevin Nicholls)
4. Amington (Alan Gifford)
5. Bradwell Silver (Brian Keech)
6. Cubbington Silver (Mark Phillips)
7. Syston (Colin Jones)

Best Instrumentalist: Eb Bass (Rockingham)

Fourth Section:

Adjudicator: John Ward

1. Melton (Graham Sutton)
2. Maltby Miners Welfare (Terry Clifford)
3. Matlock (Chris Banks)
4. Croft Silver (Ian Needham)
5. Ratby Co-op Mid (Gary Perrin)
6. Abbey Brass (Rob Tomkins)
7. Kirkby Colliery Welfare (Neville Buxton)
8. Bilton Silver Evolution (Jack Fisher)
9. University of Warwick (Simon Hogg)
10. Malvern Hills District (Chris License)

Best Instrumentalist: Jonathan Chamber (soprano) — Maltby Miners Welfare
Best Trombones: Melton