I think it's gonna be another close one on the MSR contest. Very strong performances throughout. A VERY good one from the newly-minted grade 1 band (promoted from Grade 2) - Pipes and Drums of the Police Service of Northern Ireland. I thought Field Marshal Montgomery (FMM), St Laurence O'Toole (SLOT) and Inverary and District gave exceptional rounds.

It's a shame it started to rain right as Simon Fraser University (SFU) went up to the line. That seemed to affect their drone tuning somewhat. Scottish Power's (following SFU) tuning was probably also slightly off as a result of the rain.

Numbers-wise, the bands vary from 18-23 pipers, 5-8 tenor drums (of various sizes/pitches), and 8-13 snares - and of course only 1 bass drum per band.

Now waiting for the medley performance, to be followed by the Grade 2 contest.