24th January 2000
Dagenham Contest Report
History was being re-written on Sunday 23rd January as for the first time in nearly 10 years two coaches were required to transport the Southern Knights. Goresbrook Centre, Dagenham was the venue and all three Guards were in competition - could we get three pieces of silverware?.
First on in the competition were the Rugrats in the Cadet Class. This was the first experience of Winterguard competition for nearly half the 18 members but you wouldn't have realised as they performed their jungle theme, together with zebras, elephants and a snake. Although they were placed 3rd out of 3 (they got a trophy - silverware number one!) their points were in excess of some of the other Cadet Class Guards that competed last week, however they will not actually compete against most of these until the British Championships at the beginning of April.
After the problems with the sound system last week all went well in the Junior Class for the Cadets this time. Although first on in their class they gave a much improved performance and were placed 3rd out of 5 (silverware number 2) which helped put smiles back on the 7 girls faces after the previous weekend.
Could the Seniors put on the same level of performance as last week? Well by the audience reaction (+ you couldn't hear a pin drop during the quiet passages) the answer was YES. Another 1st Place (out of 7) (silverware number 3) with the next placed Guard 14 points adrift. However we take nothing for granted in this activity and the 6 girls will have extras added (including the backdrop scenery) over the next few weeks.
Whilst on the subject of scenery, well done to the scenery and flooring crew for a swan like performance (full of composure when in the public eye but going like the clappers behind the scenes) especially on the change over from the Rugrats to Juniors as they both use the same flooring and there was only 10 minutes between the two to get the floor refolded!!
The Cadets and Seniors travel to Grantham next on Sunday 6th February while the Rugrats will be back at Dagenham on Saturday 26th February.