Cory took another huge step on their quest to claim a unique, ‘Golden Grand Slam’ at Symphony Hall on Saturday, by winning the 2009 British Open.

Immortality

The Welsh, European and World Champions have now won the four major contests they have entered this season, with only the National and Brass in Concert titles now separating them from contesting immortality.

Not even a early number 6 draw and the efforts of a gargantuan performance from Black Dyke could deny them, as Dr Robert Childs moulded a stunning performance of ‘Titan’s Progress’ to see the band win their fourth Open crown since the turn of the Millennium.

Generous

The MD paid generous tribute to his rivals, conducted by his younger brother Nicholas: "I heard Dyke and thought them outstanding, so I wouldn’t have had any complaints if they had beaten us on the day. We did produce a very special performance ourselves though."

Brilliant

That was certainly confirmed by the adjudicators – "A well thought out reading with well contrasted playing," wrote David Read, who told 4BR after the results that, "…it was a quite brilliant performance."

Cory also posted the earliest draw victory at the contest since Munn & Feltons won off number 1 way back in 1954, beating Fairey’s victory effort off number 7 in 1987. It was the first win for a band drawn in the first half of the contest since YBS in 2001.

Cory also posted the earliest draw victory at the contest since Munn & Feltons won off number 1 way back in 19544BR

No more

Black Dyke will have known they could have done no more in their challenge off the more favourable number 16 draw to take the title for a 30th time back to Queensbury, after they pushed Cory all the way to the winning tape.

Grimethorpe meanwhile will have been delighted after their recent turmoil to claim the final podium place under Allan Withington – and off the early number 3 draw, whilst Leyland confirmed their recent good form with a well earned fourth place under Jason Katsikaris.

Resurgent

Fans of David King will also have been pleased that the Australian steered a resurgent Brighouse & Rastrick into a well deserved fifth place, whilst Foden’s brave defence of their title saw them claim the final mention off the Symphony Hall stage.

Individual awards

The prestigious individual awards saw another Welsh success from Wrexham born Richard Evans, who picked up the Brian Evans Memorial Trophy for his outstanding soprano work with Desford off the number 1 slot, whilst Steven Walsh picked up the Stanley Wainwright Award as ‘Best Soloist’ for his contribution to Brighouse’s cause.

Relegation

On a day of some raised eyebrows with the overall results, it was not such as good day for the second Welsh band, BTM, who failed to impress the men in the box and will now find themselves back at the Grand Shield with Hammonds Saltaire.

With encouraging numbers in the audience to listen to Hermann Pallhuber’s exciting test piece, Martin Mortimer’s experienced team of officials ran a slick operation that finished ahead of schedule.

Fine atmosphere

The fine atmosphere created was saved a potentially unsavoury incident at the end of the contest with admirable good grace and professionalism by Martin, who dealt with the disappointment of one conductor with the skills of a United Nations diplomat.

One MD not complaining though was Robert Childs as he clutched his fourth Mortimer Trophy and started to plan the next step on Cory’s path what he hopes will be a season to savour. Next stop, the Royal Albert Hall.

Result:

Symphony Hall, Birmingham
Saturday 12th September
Test Piece: Titan's Progress – Hermann Pallhuber
Start: 1000hrs
Draw: 09:00hrs

Adjudicators:
David Read, Michael Ball, William Relton

1. Cory Band, Dr. Robert Childs, 6
2. Black Dyke, Dr. Nicholas Childs, 16
3. Grimethorpe Colliery, Allan Withington, 3
4. Leyland, Jason Katsikaris, 13
5. Brighouse & Rastrick, David King, 8
6. Foden’s, Garry Cutt, 5
7. Desford Colliery, James Gourlay, 1
8. Co-operative Funeralcare, Michael Fowles, 12
9. Kirkintilloch, Selmer Simonsen, 2
10. Brisbane Excelsior, Howard Taylor, 10
11. Hepworth (Cookson Homes), Ian Porthouse, 14
12. Fairey Band, Philip Chalk, 7
13. Hammonds Saltaire, Morgan Griffiths, 17
14. Virtuosi GUS, John Berryman, 15
15. Rothwell Temperance, David Roberts, 11
16. Carlton Main Frickley Colliery, Russell Gray, 9
17. Whitburn, Steven Mead, 18
18. BTM, Tom Davoren, 4

Best Soloist:
Steven Walsh, Euphonium, Brighouse

Brian Evans Memorial Trophy:
Richard Evans, Soprano, Desford

Although not confirmed it is understood that BTM and Hammonds Saltaire are relegated to the Grand Shield.