The Arena auditorium was a lively host venue for a Third Section contest that saw a battalion of well matched contenders inspired by the Napoleonic portraiture of Philip Harper's enjoyable test piece.

It's certainly a contest stage that acoustically suits Hatherleigh Silver, who once again emerged triumphant (they won the Fourth Section here in 2017 off the number 1 draw) under their impressive musical general, conductor Matt Green.

Just what required

They gave the adjudicators Alan Morrison and John Winterflood just what they were looking for — as did Weymouth Concert Brass (off number 1 themselves) to gain their first ever National Final appearance, and a rejuvenated Bugle Silver who secured a Cheltenham return for the first time since 2009.

Just behind them came a trio of well-directed accounts from New Forest Brass, Lydney Town and Porthleven Town, whilst a number other contenders caught the ears of listeners in the hall — one which was packed throughout with family members, supporters and fellow players to enjoy a host of colourful performances inspired by Napoleon's equine trek across the Alps.

Clear analysis

Come the results, the hall was bursting to capacity to listen to the analysis of Alan and John, both of whom made sure they left knowing just why they had come up with their decision.

"There was a lot of white paper in the score,"Alan said, as he explained the need for bands to have shown balance between brass and percussion especially when the scoring was sparse. "It's difficult to play, as the opening had to build with confidence, despite the trombones playing so quietly. It was a bit uneven at times."

He also pointed out the difficulties in maintaining evenness in both crescendos and diminuendos; and whilst he said the top bands "coped well", none he said came away "unscathed", adding, "Because of that we took our time to work out all the placings."

Critical percussion

John meanwhile thanks all the bands of their efforts, but also pointed out the need to maintain the "critical"aspects of tuning, intonation and balance.

And whilst he said that the percussion "had come under scrutiny"and that some of the playing had "been a mixed bag", on the whole he felt there were a number of "good performances"- adding with a touch well delivered humour as he walked form the microphone, "…including percussion!"

Not surprisingly there were some great scenes of celebration as Hatherleigh's players huddled together to enjoy another Area title, with their band spokesperson revealing to 4BR that they had felt confident as soon as they took to the stage to play.

"We really enjoyed the test-piece and our conductor Matt Green was brilliant. We came off pretty happy, but to win for a second year in a row is an amazing achievement from everyone. It's also great to be going back to the National Finals."

Fine marker

Earlier, Weymouth had set a fine marker under MD Adam Glynn for John and Alan — one that held its own up to Hatherleigh at band 16, whilst there was also great joy for Bugle Silver, who just a couple of years ago took to the stage in the Second Section low on numbers and were relegated to the Third Section.

Now, thanks to the fantastic work led by MD Steve Osborne their determination and commitment was rewarded as they ended third.

And with a host of other bands displaying the growing tread of expectancy in the opening section, the reflection in the central element and the bold bravura heroism in the finale, it made for a highly enjoyable contest where ever band emerged with a great deal of credit — none more so than Hatherleigh.

We really enjoyed the test-piece and our conductor Matt Green was brilliant. We came off pretty happy, but to win for a second year in a row is an amazing achievement from everyoneHatherleigh Band spokesperson

Result:

Third Section:

Test Piece: Napoleon on the Alps (Philip Harper)
Adjudicators: Alan Morrison & John Winterflood

1. Hatherleigh Silver (Matt Green)*
2. Weymouth Concert Brass (Adam Glynn)*
3. Bugle Silver (Steve Osborne)*
4. New Forest Brass (Ian Luxford)
5. Lydney Town (Kevin Ford)
6. Porthleven Town (Tom Bassett)
7. Bratton Silver (Simon Carr)
8. South Molton Town (Gil Taylor)
9. Ocean Brass (Martin Humphries)
10. St Stythians (James Burns)
11. Bath Spa (Martin Perry)
12. Swindon Brass (Francis Cowley)
13. Swindon Pegasus (Steve Yorke)
14. Gillingham Imperial Silver (James Bennett)
15. Tewkesbury Town (Nigel Morgan)
16. Indian Queens (Mark Arnold)
17. Pillowell Silver (Ian Whitburn)
18. Saltash Town (Robert Julian)

*Qualify for National Final