At a time when the opportunity to tap into generous streams of contesting revenue is limited, it puzzling that the Dr Martin Wainstone's Cup is not inundated with bands armed with musical divining sticks.

Outside the British Open and Brass in Concert Championships, it provides the biggest well of prize money in UK banding, yet despite the rewards and the proactive approach of the hard- organisers in changing venues and dates, it remains something of underappreciated tributary of free flowing cash.

The six bands that made their way to the Princess Alexandra Auditorium at Yarm School in Stockton on Tees this year were certainly handsomely rewarded for their commitment — none more so than the deserved winner, Hammonds.

Commanding Hammonds

Led by Morgan Griffiths, they showed their class in claiming the £4,000 first prize — one boosted by a further £500 for taking home the 'Best Soloist' and 'Best March' awards and the £400 from the organisers to help with their travel costs from Yorkshire.

The margin of a comprehensive victory did not flatter them; the march 'Viva Burkinshaw' played with musical clarity and precision, Kirsty Abbotts a beacon of cultured artistry on 'Meditation from Thais'.

Their selection of Philip Sparke's 'Harmony Music' was a model of balanced reasoning and ambition — the result, a display of authority and understanding that emanated from the MD and was displayed in full by his players.

The overall approach and execution were not lost on adjudicator John Doyle who described the trio of performances as "absolute class from start to finish" — the test-piece, "a superb show".

Performer praise

Understandably, Morgan Griffiths heaped praise on his performers, although it was interesting to hear his reasoning on his musical selections: 'Viva Burkinshaw' was, "a terrific march that doesn't get played that often" he said.

It was also something John Doyle pinpointed with more familiar Whit Friday favourites in a brace of 'Knight Templar', as well as 'Ravenswood', 'The Wizard' and 'Honest Toil' played at tempos that he said sounded, "as if they were still in the open."

For Morgan the choice of 'Harmony Music' was also made with purpose. It has "everything" he said, "...energy, excitement, wonderful lyrical sections, great solo features and a fantastic close. Brilliant to play and to listen to."

As for his soloist he simply added: "'When you have such an outstanding player as Kirsty who can truly bring the music to life, it becomes an obvious choice."John Doyle described her playing as "stunning, simply stunning".

With the British Open on the horizon, Hammonds are a band boosted in as well as financial liquidity.

Confident Milnrow

Although Milnrow won't be at the British Open, they will be in Birmingham next year at the Grand Shield.

The runner-up will also have been boosted in confidence as they continued their solid progress under MD Christopher Binns by taking home a prize package of over £2,400, with the MD telling 4BR that the decision to test themselves against "some very strong banding names" proving to be "a success".

A sprightly 'Ravenswood' march was followed by euphonium soloist Max Johnson's lyrical 'Romanza' from the Karl Jenkins 'Euphonium Concerto' and a vibrant reprise of Peter Graham's 'Angels & Demons', which they played in winning the Scottish Open in November last year.

Hepworth reprise

Third placed Hepworth has successfully tapped into the cash rich 'March & Hymn Tune' tributaries of late, so it was little surprise that they reprised 'The Wizard' as their march choice.

Will Burton was a virtuosic tuba lead on Monti's famous 'Czardas', before they closed with the recent Grand Shield set-work, 'Dances & Arias'. It rounded off a lucrative summer contest series with another £1,400 in the bank as they now look forward to their Royal Albert Hall National Final appearance.

Solid North East trio

The final prize-money placing went to Easington Colliery in fourth.

Fresh from their recent appearances accompanying Sam Fender in stadium filling performances at London and Newcastle, this was slightly moreo in nature, although Bethany Peck gave a star rendition of 'Sambezi' alongside two solidly portrayed accounts of 'Honest Toil' and Martin Ellerby's 'Elgar Variations'.

Elsewhere, North of England Area champion NASUWT Riverside also reprised the Grand Shield set-work, 'Dances & Arias' under Prof Nicholas Childs alongside the march 'Knight Templar' and a suave rendition of 'Rhapsody for Soprano Cornet' played by Phil Tait as they just fell off the pace in seeking a first Dr Martin victory.

Fishburn ended sixth as they couldn't quite hit top form on 'Knight Templar' and 'Dances & Arias' despite a super rendition of 'Euphony' by soloist Dave Clough.

Once again, a fine contest day was admirably organised by Contest Controller Steve Goodwin and his Cockerton Band. Their commitment to the event was rewarded by an appreciative audience and fine performances from the bands.

Steve Jack

The overall approach and execution were not lost on adjudicator John Doyle who described the trio of performances as "absolute class from start to finish" — the test-piece, "a superb show"4BR

Result:

Adjudicator: John Doyle
March/Solo/Test-Piece = Total

1. Hammonds (Morgan Griffiths): 24/25/196 = 245
2. Milnrow (Christopher Binns): 20/20/193 = 233
3. Hepworth (Ryan Watkins): 21/19/191 = 231*
4. Easington Colliery (Graeme Tindall): 22/21/188 = 231
5. NASUWT Riverside (Prof Nicholas Childs): 19/24/187 = 230
6. Fishburn (Chris Bentham): 18/18/185 = 221

Best March: Hammonds
Best Soloist: Kirsty Abbotts (cornet)- Hammonds
Best Percussion: Milnrow