*
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    


nATIONAL yOUTH cHAMPS

New opportunities and roles to play at Youth Championships

October 17 • From volunteer helpers to photographers, presenters and judges — Brass Bands England puts the call to be part of the 2027 National Youth Championships of Great Britain.


Espen Westbye

Westbye returns to take up residency in Stavanger

October 17 • Espen Westbye will join forces with David Morton at Stavanger as he returns as Resident Conductor ahead of Siddis challenge.


Tredegar Hall

Tredegar reconnect with Dance partner

October 17 • Dr Matthew Hall has returned to his role as Composer in Residence with Tredegar Band


Brass Monkeys

Death of Steve Edwards

October 17 • The death has been announced of the popular player and podcaster Steve Edwards.


Regent Hall Concerts - Queentet

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Funny Bones Symphonic Brass

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Fulham Brass Band

Friday 16 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Dobcross Silver Band -

Friday 16 October • Playhouse 2 . 2 Newtown street. Shaw. Oldham OL2 8NX


The Egham Band - The Egham Band Plays Classic Rock

Friday 16 October • St John's Church Egham, Manor Farm Lane, Egham tw20 9HR


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Front Row Cornet player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a Eb Bass player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Crewe Brass

October 16 • Crewe Brass are looking for a BBb Bass player to join our highly motivated 4th section band. We are a very welcoming and sociable band, with a positive outlook and a reasonably busy calendar of engagements. Other enquiries are welcome.


Ronnie MacNiven

MMus GRSM LRAM
Trombonist, composer, conductor


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd