South Africa: 100 Guineas Contest Report

I attach the results of the 100 Guineas as well as the Junior Hundred Guineas solo piping competitions held over the weekend of 30th and 31st March 2019 in Johannesburg and promoted by the Scottish Piping Society of Southern Africa.

The venue was, as is now customary, The View, which the Transvaal Scottish Regiment generously make available for solo piping events. The 61st Hundred Guineas saw a high standard of playing this year, with overall winner Joshua Hogg winning his sixth title.  

Joshua presented a fine rendition of the Unjust Incarceration to win the piobaireachd, and almost took a clean sweep of all events, winning the March, Jigs, Former Winner’s March, Strathspey and Reel and coming second in the Strathspey and Reel to Richard Payne.

I heard his piobaireachd, and it was a very impressive performance indeed, as was his winning performance in the former winner’s event. 

Simon Workman was second overall in a welcome return to solo competing,  with former winner Richard Payne third this year and Sean Cameron in fourth overall. 

A welcome trend in recent years has been the entry by former winners of the 100 Guineas, some of whom have not been seen for many years. 

One such entry this year was from Rowan Martin, who had won the title in 1968, 1972 and 1976, the latter win being the last time he competed before coming back this year. 

Mr Martin was a pupil of Bob Brown and Bob Nicol, and took a number of prizes in Scotland in the late 60s, including third in the Gold Medal at Oban.   

It was a pleasure for younger members who had never met Mr Martin, but only seen his name on our trophies, to meet him and hear some of his stories of the old days, and to hear him play.    

Brian Mulhearn is a regular competitor at the 100 Guineas, and he was out again this year bringing an overseas element to the competition. 

Brian’s ‘Ayrefire’ chanter has proved quite popular in South Africa with three of these being played in the Open competition.    

Chris Mulinder played once again in the former winner’s MSR playing a number of his own compositions, and with his own characteristic musical style.  He also showed in Maggie Cameron that he retains excellent technique and a birl many would envy.