Senators top first DCUK contest

The Senators from Eastleigh have topped the first DCUK contest in Leicester, last Sunday. The corps were credited with 65.9 points. Kidsgrove Scouts came in second with 60.3. Here is a short review of the contest. The reviewer didn't see Concord, Southern Aurora, Forgemen, and Poynton Commodores, so unfortunately these corps are not in the list.

Cheshire Cadets
If someone was there that saw us, I would be really interested on your take on us as I was on the field and my opinion is obviously biased. What I will say though is that this is a very young corps (average age about 11, take away the few senior members and the 3 overage spots). We had IMHO a fantastic show despite what the judges say. Work in progress and we WILL get better!

Stafford Lancers
This years version of the Stafford Lancers brings us the music of 'Les Miserables'. The hornline is quite large by DCUK standards. They were quite loud and entertaining, although I did detect some tuning issues and some ensemble issues. I was watching from back field though so that may have been an unfair statement. Drumline was quite good but dirty. That should work itself out through the year though. The color guard however is the driving force at this juncture of the season. I look forward to another look.

Phoenix Coventry
Seems to have shrunk in size since last years finals. Overall impression is that this show might be a bit tough for them at this early stage in the season. Fatigue seemed to be a major issue towards the end of the show. Drumline was quite solid throughout.

Black Knights
Fantastic solo work from a pretty decent hornline. Guard was very very strong. Show had the feel of an old Spirit of Atlanta show as it was loose and had a good groove to it. Look forward to seeing what they do with it.

Kidsgrove Scouts
Very Madisonesque in their approach to drum corps. The Kidsgrove Scouts entertained the crowd with 'The Conquest', a show of latin music that was quite entertaining. The hornline was in fine form (although at the end, seemed a bit fatigued. To be fair it was pretty warm).

Senators
Wow. The music of James Bond was amazing. I think it may very well be a one horse race in 2005. This by the way was NOT just a copy of the 04 Cavies either. Senators came out and made this show their own. Sporting brand new uniforms, the hornline, drumline and guard was simply stunning. The corps itself, whilst not big by American standards, gave the impression of "bigness" with a very well written drill program. I think their score was low by at least 8 points.


Results Open Class
1 â?¢ 65.9 â?¢ Senators
2 â?¢ 60.3 â?¢ Kidsgrove Scouts
3 â?¢ 58.6 â?¢ Forgemen
4 â?¢ 52.9 â?¢ Black Knights
5 â?¢ 48.4 â?¢ Phoenix Coventry
6 â?¢ 44.7 â?¢ Poynton Commodores

Results A-Class
1 â?¢ 45.9 â?¢ Southern Aurora
2 â?¢ 41.1 â?¢ Stafford Lancers
3 â?¢ 35.6 â?¢ Concord
4 â?¢ 34.6 â?¢ Cheshire Cadets

Results Cadet Class
1 â?¢ 34.0 â?¢ Black Knight Cadets