*
banner

Boycott stumped by PolySteel

Cricket legend Geoffrey Boycott has been stumped by his lack of brass band knowledge it seems...

pOLYsTEEL
 

Geoffrey Boycott may know a thing or two about cricket, but he was stumped over hearing about the name of the PolySteel Band.

Regarded as one of England's finest batsmen ever to have played the game, Geoffrey Boycott thought he was being wound up on BBC Radio Fivelive Sports Extra on hearing the name of the Yeovil champions, PolySteel Brass Band.

Brass Bands for 20:20

The Yorkshireman, well known for his outspoken views on cricket, was speaking on BBC's iconic cricket programme, Test Match Special on Friday afternoon, where commentary was taking place on England verses New Zealand. Listener's were invited to email in about the kind of musical entertainment they would like to see at next year's 20:20 World Cup that is taking place in England.

Talking about his love of music in general, Boycott brought up the subject of brass bands. 'I'd like to see brass bands at the 20:20,' said Geoffrey, before adding, '...there are some well known brass bands up in Yorkshire such as Black Dyke, Brighouse and Rastrick and Grimethorpe'.

Entertaining

The former England cricketer's mention of Yorkshire bands soon led to the e-mails coming in including a suggestion to involve '...one of the most entertaining bands around' — the Polysteel Band.

Boycott thought the mention of the name of PolySteel Brass Band was a complete wind up, and he hinted that as there was the word 'steel' in the title, it had to be a steel band not a brass band4BR

Wind up?

Test Match Special is well known for talking about everything in life, whilst giving its ball-by-ball coverage of international cricket matches, and for the banter between the commentators and Boycott thought the mention of the name of PolySteel Brass Band was a complete wind up, and he hinted that as there was the word 'steel' in the title, it had to be a steel band not a brass band.

Whilst play continued, the BBC's cricket correspondent, Jonathan Agnew declared his delight after receiving an email from a gentleman named David Morgan about PolySteel and the band being sponsored, leaving Boycott to suggest further that it was from one of Jonathan's friends or relatives.

Apology

The explanation that there was indeed a band by the name of PolySteel led to Jonathan Agnew concluding his twenty minute commentary spot by saying '...you're going to have to apologise Geoffrey as here is the proof about the name'.

Geoffrey was a touch sheepish in discovering that the PolySteel Band did exist and quickly went very quiet.

A case of what's in a name for the Yorkshireman.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Elgar festival of brass

Top trio attracts audiences to Malvern

June 7 • There are still tickets left if you want to enjoy Cory, Black Dyke and Foden's in performance in Malvern


Perth

Entries now open for Scottish Festival of Brass brace

June 7 • Bands can now enter the popular Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Shield and Scottish Open sponsored by Besson.


Cambrian Brass

New band to be formed in Aberystwyth

June 7 • Cambrian Brass to provide a welcoming, inclusive home for players with the aim of competing at the Welsh Area in 2026.


City of Hull

Brooks and Beatty take dual baton role at City of Hull

June 7 • Daniel Brooks and Jonathan Beatty will spearhead the artistic and contesting focus of City of Hull Band.


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 13 June • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


Hebden Bridge Brass Band - The 13th annual Hebden Bridge March Contest

Sunday 15 June • St George's Square, Hebden Bridge HX7 8ET


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Chinnor Silver

June 7 • Our Community Band is meeting on Monday {9th} and would welcome anyone who fancies an extra friendly rehearsal,with coffee and cake involved.. We rehearse in our bandroom at 11am its free and it open to all abilities.. No commitment required.


Epping Forest Band

June 6 • Epping Forest band have a vacancy for solo horn. We are a friendly 3rd section band with a variety of gigs through out the year. We have our own band hut with close to links with London Underground central line and the M11 motorway.


Chelmsford Silver Bnad

June 6 • Front row cornet, solo horn & trombone players. We are a friendly, active non competition band established 75 years performing regularly in Chelmsford & Essex. Rehearsals averaging 26 players on Wednesday evenings at Broomfield Methodist Church Chelmsford


Alan Widdop


Conductor, Brass teacher, Adjudicator (ABBA)


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd