Without doubt, the Grand Shield is one of the most difficult contests to win and perhaps also the least-favourite of all contests for the top bands. In recent years, several top bands have suffered the 'indignity' of a spell in the Shield, e.g. Leyland and Tredegar both won at the 5th attempt, Reg Vardy were successful on their 4th trip, and Whitburn is the latest former Open regular to experience the perennial delights of Blackpool with a third trip on the cards next year.

This year's and last year's placings will be added together and the two bands with the highest aggregates are likely to receive an invitation to next year's Grand Shield! Here is the bottom end of the table, showing placings from last year, to which this year's placing will be added:

10 Leyland

11 Fairey

12 Rothwell Temperance

13 Reg Vardy

14 Co-operative Funeralcare

16 Kirkintilloch

Recent history suggests that no more than about 25 or 26 points will be needed to survive but it's not an exact science as demonstrated below (relegated bands each year shown in red). Kirkintilloch is in the firing line again this year and they know only too well just how fickle the system can be having been relegated with 26 points in 2010 but survived with 28 points in 2002!

One or two 'name' bands will be hoping that they don't fall below the dreaded cut line and then face a tricky trip to Blackpool in the spring.

2011

21 Virtuosi (GUS)

22 Leyland

25 Co-operative Funeralcare

30 Hepworth (Cookson Homes)

31 Tongwynlais Temperance

2010

23 Carlton Main Frickley Colliery

25 Hepworth (Cookson Homes)

26 Virtuosi (GUS)

26 Kirkintilloch