There was an encouraging show of strength in depth to enjoy in the Third Section, where Philip Harper's cinematic set-work, 'Napoleon on the Alps' caught the musical imagination of the 17 competing bands.

It made for an engaging, closely fought contest where a number of the competitors would have been confident of a potential qualification hallmark for their efforts from adjudicators Ian Brownbill and Chris King.

Forthright

Once again the experienced pairing were forthright with their findings, leaving the bands in little doubt of where they impressed and where they didn't in their efforts to get to Cheltenham.

The best came from the excellent trio of eventual champion Market Rasen alongside fellow qualifiers Audley Brass and Cleobury Mortimer Concert Brass, whilst just behind followed well-directed accounts from Newhall, Long Eaton Silver Prize and Shirland Welfare.

The early marker was provided by the impressive Cleobury, led with typical purpose and drive by David Maplestone, as they secured a third successive National Finals appearance, whilst performances of quality and intelligent direction immediately followed from Long Eaton and Shirland Welfare.

Wonderful account

A little later came the eventual winner; David Dernley drawing out a wonderful account from Market Rasen that had a substantive quality that brought excitement and tension to the opening trek over the Alps, subtle moments of reflection in the central section and more than a touch of Gallic flair to close to send them back to Cheltenham for the first time since 2013.

And although they would have known that they had played very well as they came off stage, there would have been some sense of anxiety as a fine performance, detailed and determined from Audley Brass conducted Tom Hancock very nearly pipped them to the post in securing their first National final appearance since 2003.

Energy and character

Newhall who followed also played very well to end fourth, whilst despite some fine efforts after that no one else quite did enough to push their way into the reckoning, although the bands that did eventually finish in the lower reaches of the results table produced performances of colour, energy and character.

None though could match Market Rasen as they headed to Cheltenham as a band that could well make a major mark alongside their qualifying rivals.

A little later came the eventual winner; David Dernley drawing out a wonderful account from Market Rasen that had a substantive quality that brought excitement and tension to the opening trek over the Alps4BR

Result:

Third Section:

Test Piece: Napoleon on the Alps (Philip Harper)
Adjudicators: Ian Brownbill & Chris King

1. Market Rasen (David Dernley)*
2. Audley Brass (Tom Hancock)*
3. Cleobury Mortimer Concert Brass (David Maplestone)*
4. Newhall (Kevin Holdgate)
5. Long Eaton Silver Prize (Sharon Stansfield)
6. Shirland Welfare (Lynden Cooper)
7. Amington (Alan Gifford)
8. Pleasley Colliery Welfare (Geof Benson)
9. Cubbington Silver (Mark Phillips)
10. Wellington (Telford) (Mark Parry)
11. Towcester Studio (Neil Brownless)
12. Trentham Brass (Mike Cavaney)
13. Arrow Valley Brass (Andy Culshaw)
14. Raunds Temperance (Jayne Murrill)
15. Corby Silver (Catherine Fountain)
16. Matlock (Geoff Hawley)
17. Brackley & District (Micah Parsons)

*Qualify for National Final