Unite the Union gave themselves a boost of contesting confidence as they prepare for their trip to Blackpool for the Senior Cup in a couple of weeks' time, as led by Jonathan Beatty they claimed the top section honours in Holmfirth.

Confident

A confidently delivered rendition of the 'The New Jerusalem', which they will reprise at the Winter Gardens on Saturday 11th May, saw them take the title for the first time.

Second place went to another Blackpool bound band in Yorkshire Imperial, as they gave an preview outing of the Senior Trophy set-work, 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'.

Third place went to defending champion and British Open challengers Hepworth, playing 'Salute to Youth'.

Outstanding

Unite's outstanding solo cornet player Maria Beazer took the 'Best Soloist' award for her fine clarion call playing, with their bass section also chipping in with a section accolade. The band also topped the 'Best Hymn Tune' discipline playing 'Prelude on Lavenham'.

Reflecting on the victory on their Facebook page they said: "We've loved our day out over the hill in beautiful Holmfirth, and thank everyone involved in the contest for such a wonderfully organised day.

A very special mention to our absolutely fabulous Maria Beazer, our best basses of Mike, Max, Andy and Hayden and Vicky Norman, played her first ever contest as part of our brilliant percussion team."

Full Spectrum for Hatfield

There was also a fine victory for Hatfield & Askern Colliery in Section B, as led by Richard Marshall they put behind them the disappointment of the recent Yorkshire Areas with a vibrant performance of 'Spectrum'.

Not only did they secure their first win at the event, they also picked up the awards for 'Best Euphonium' thanks to Paul Soulby's excellent personal contribution, and 'Best Trombone Section'.

Second place went to Lindley as they continued their consistent form with a reprise of the Area test-piece, 'Triptych'. Alan Widdop's band also took the 'Best Hymn Tune' award. Third place was claimed by Delph playing 'Kaleidoscope'.

Massive thanks

Speaking about the success on his Facebook page, winning MD Richard Marshall said: "A massive thanks to the band for all their hard work and to my assistant MD, Vicki Kennedy, who continues to rehearse the band and raise their standards whilst I am away."

On what proved to be a successful day for the Marshall family, Richard's daughters Bella and Esme played with Tewit Youth Band, with Esme presented with the 'Youngest Player Award'.

Littleborough win

There was a fine win for Littleborough Band in Section C led by Ashley Higgins the North West Fourth Section Area qualifiers for Cheltenham carried on their good form with a solid reprise of the 'Music for Jock Tamson'.

St John's Mossley carried on the form shown the previous week in Buxton as they secured another podium finish playing 'Music for a Festival, whilst Cleethorpe's enjoyed their trip down form the North East in coming third also reprising the Fourth Section Area work.

Although there was only the one youth band entrant, Tewit Youth provided excellent entertainment on their set that included 'The Bare Necessities' and 'Starburst'.

We've loved our day out over the hill in beautiful Holmfirth, and thank everyone involved in the contest for such a wonderfully organised dayUnite the Union Band

Results:
Section A:

Adjudicator: Sarah Groarke-Booth

1. Unite the Union (Jonathan Beatty)
2. Yorkshire Imperial (Garry Hallas)
3. Hepworth (Ryan Watkins)
4. Elland Silver (Brett Baker)
5. Marsden Silver (Andrew Lofthouse)
6. Hebden Bridge (Christopher Binns)
7. Meltham & Meltham Mills (Tom Haslam)
8. Hade Edge (John Collins)
9. Tewit Silver (Martin Hall)

Best Hymn: Unite the Union
Highest Placed First Section Band (not in main prizes): Hebden Bridge

Best Soloist: Maria Beazer (cornet) — Unite the Union
Best Euphonium: Yorkshire Imperial
Best Bass Section: Unite the Union

Section B:

Adjudicator: Sarah Groarke-Booth

1. Hatfield & Askern Colliery (Richard Marshall)
2. Lindley (Alan Widdop)
3. Delph (Philip Goodwin)
4. Slaithwaite (Simon Jacobs)
5. Dobcross Silver (Dennis Hadfield)
6. Huddersfield & Ripponden (Adam Bell)
7. Dronfield Genquip (David Holling)

Best Hymn: Lindley
Highest Placed Third Section Band (not in main prizes): Dobcross Silver

Best Euphonium: Paul Soulby (Hatfield & Askern Colliery)
Best Trombone Section: Hatfield & Askern Colliery
Best Percussion: Dobcross Silver

Section C:

Adjudicator: Colum O'Shea

1. Littleborough (Ashley Higgins)
2. St John's Mossley (Martin Gernon)
3. Cleethorpes (Brian Harper)
4. Honley Silver (Dylan John)
5. Thurlstone (Graham Bates)
6. Dodworth Colliery (Geoff Benson)
7. Linthwaite (Tony Robertson)

Best Hymn: Littleborough
Best Unregistered Band: Honley Silver

Best Soloist: Euphonium (St John's Mossley)

Youth Section:

Adjudicator: Colum O'Shea

1. Tewit Youth (Martin Hall)