The Fourth Section contest proved to be an absolute belter: 20 bands bringing a splendid sense of musical enthusiasm to bear in entertaining a large and warmly supportive audience, as well as giving the judges plenty to ponder over before they reached their results.

For the second year in a row it was Hatherleigh Silver that deservedly claimed the title, thanks to an outstanding performance of 'St Andrew's Variations' from the number 1 draw under MD Matt Green. They will be joined in Cheltenham later this year by Saltash Town and Shanklin Town from the Isle of Wight — a trio that will surely be strong contenders for further honours.

Stylish interpretations

Little wonder then that both Gary Davies and Sam Hairsine spoke of their pleasure in sitting back and listening to a host of renditions, that although at times showing the usual signs of Fourth Section inconsistencies, nerves and errors, were also full of stylish interpretations that brought the multitude of familiar little motifs and themes in Alan Fernie's delightful score to life.

"We had a great time in the box,"Gary told 4BR as he reiterated his pre-results views. "We got off to such a great start with the first band and it just didn't stop.

There were some tremendous performances from the top bands — ones that had so much style and lots of good ensemble and solo playing. My congratulations go to all the conductors for their efforts. It made our task very hard, but very enjoyable."

Sam agreed: "It was a super contest. There were the obvious things that did go wrong — but that was to be expected. What was so encouraging though was the way in which the bands and conductors approached the music. There was so much to enjoy and the top five or six were excellent — the winners in particular."

Delighted MD

Those winners were Hatherleigh, who produced a performance of such style, confidence and solidity as first band on that was always going to be difficult to beat — something that their delighted MD Matt Green was particularly pleased about when he spoke to 4BR.

"I had a sneaky feeling that we were going to be drawn early, so we had the red hymn book ready,"the professional Army musician bandsman based in Lympstone told 4BR.

"But to play like that was amazing. The players make my life easy — they really do. They are such lovely people who all want to work hard and enjoy their music making. We haven't come out of the top three since I joined, and we have some great plans for the future too, so it's a real pleasure for me!"

Saltash team effort

With so many rivals producing spirited efforts, it was Saltash Town who eventually came closest to almost denying Hatherleigh their famous 'double' with a fine show late in the day under Robert Julian.

The band took to the stage with no less than seven members making their contest debuts — three of whom had just come up from their youth band. It will be the first time they have played at the Finals since 2001

Theirs was a real team effort too — with Chris Spreadbury (winning MD of SW Comms) taking time out of his busy contest day schedule to be a non-playing mentor to their young percussion player.

Dapper qualifier

Meanwhile, the final qualification place in what was a close battle for the podium spots went to a delighted Shanklin Town, who made the trip over the Solent to qualify for their first National Finals appearance with a performance that was very nearly as bright and dapper as the white jacket, black shirt and white bow tie combo worn by MD Malcolm Lewis.

Their cries of joy as their name was announced in third place could have been heard back home!

Just missing out

With three bands making it through to the finals, there must have been a hint of disappointment for Indian Queens, who just missed out on a Cheltenham spot for the second year in a row in fourth under the equally splendidly attired Mark Arnold, whilst the remaining top-six places went to well-delivered accounts from Exeter Railway (making what was rumoured to be their first appearance at the contest since the 1960s) and Heyl Town.

For the winners though a long day of celebration awaited, whilst for West of England banding, a sense of collective pride in a contest that showed that grass roots banding in the region is in fine musical fettle.

The players make my life easy — they really do. They are such lovely people who all want to work hard and enjoy their music makingWinning MD, Matt Green.

Results:

Fourth Section:

Test Piece: St Andrews Variations' (Alan Fernie)
Adjudicators: Gary Davies and Sam Hairsine

1. Hatherleigh Silver (Matt Green)*
2. Saltash Town (Robert Julian)*
3. Shanklin Town (IoW) (Malcolm Lewis)*
4. Indian Queens (Mark Arnold)
5. Exeter Railway (Graham Eaton)
6. Heyl Town (Scott Watters)
7. Pillowell Silver (Ian Whitburn)
8. Gosport Solent Brass (Colin Garner)
9. Tiverton Town (John Fitton)
10. Pendeen Silver (Darren Jenkin)
11. Test Valley Brass (Paul Dove)
12. Verwood Town (Emma Button)
13. Chalford Academy (Steve Tubb)
14. Okehampton Excelsior Silver (Richard Beardon)
15. Nailsworth Silver (Ross Salvage)
16. Wincanton Silver (Joanne Sykes)
17. Totnes (Alan Wilmott)
18. Launceston Town (Colin Gay)
19. Bideford Town (Mark Durham)
20. Shaftesbury Town Silver (Martin Hill)

Withdrawn: Torbay Brass (Joe Rowlands)

*Top three bands qualify for National Final at Cheltenham