It was Saturday 20th March and the big day had arrived. For almost half of the members this was going to be their first experience of a Finals contest.

The Rugrats 'production', featuring music from Disney's Aladdin, has been very well received all season and the 12 members have grown in confidence since their first contest at the end of January. Their Cadet Class Finals performance was a much improved display from the week before however their inexperience showed through against tough opposition and although this was, by far, the best performance they have given, the Rugrats were beaten into 5th place (out of 5).

The Cadet Guards "Visit to Bedrock" has improved at every contest this season and the Junior Class Finals was no exception. The 8 members looked as if they were really enjoying themselves and with the added feature of new props for the 'dancing boys' and multi-coloured hair for the girls, the Guard were determined not to let all the hard work they had put in over the weeks be wasted. Consolidating their seeded position, they were placed 4th (out of 6).

Having completely changed their show since the first contest and although beating all but one Guard prior to the Finals, the unknown quantity was the A Class Guard. It was clear that this class could be won by anyone of 4 Guards and being seeded 5th was not going to help! The 7 members had worked extremely hard and put on an excellent performance which, judging by the audience reaction, was going to push them up the rankings - but by how many places?. You could see the trepidation on the girls faces as the results were being announced which turned to smiles when they were awarded 2nd place (out of 11) only 0.5 of a point behind the winners.

And so another Winterguard season ends. Congratulations to all members for, once again, showing that the Southern Knights are a force to be reckoned with. A big thank you to all the staff and parents for all the hard work and support they have put in to make this season a success. Roll on the Millennium!!!