Rock band claim Talent Trail crown >vid
The five-piece outfit, who hail from Sproatley, Hull and Withernwick, wowed the crowd at Hull City Hall on Wednesday night with their stunning delivery of classic anthems, including the Stereophonics' Dakota, Maggie May, by Rod Stewart, and Free's Alright Now.
Their performance earned them the coveted trophy and the top cash prize of £1,500.
Lead vocalist Damian Balthazar, 33, was particularly passionate on stage and his enthusiasm was complemented by his band-mates' equally energetic presence.
By the third song in their set, the atmosphere was such that the audience were left stomping, waving and clapping for more – most notably the band's fans, including friends, family and work colleagues, who lit up the back of Hull City Hall with their vocal support.
It meant Dirty Wish took top spot, with fellow rock band Bad Dog taking second place.
Speaking after the judges had announced their verdict, the band said they were shocked but delighted to have scooped the prestigious title of Talent Trail Winner 2009.
Damian said: "We are surprised more than anything else.
"When we heard Bad Dog announced as second place, we thought it must be someone else who had won, so we are shocked. Stunned.
"We have only been together for less than a year, so we are really pleased."
This year's competition was sponsored by Dave "Devilfish" Ulliott and DevilfishPoker.com and all money raised from the contest will go to the Mail's charity of the year, The Echoes Foundation.
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