Pennsgrove Blue Rocks Win South Jersey Opener
By Herb Easterly

DCN - July 11, 1962

Easton, Pa., June 16 - Under ideal conditions; a beautiful June night with a full moon and a beautifully lit stadium, the South Jersey corps held their first contest of the year. Palmer Chessmen played host to the other member corps in this first round of shows designed to pick the champion of the circuit. Two thousand spectators were treated to a delightful evening of color, music and pageantry of eight junior corps.

Holding down last place (5th) in the contest was the Brigantine "Sea Lancers". This was the first time they had ever been on the field as an M&M corps and I am sure it did them a world of good to see and compete with other corps of the same caliber. That is to say the Sea Lancers have the same opportunity as the other corps who started at one time as new corps with low scores and have improved over the years. Their 18 horns did a creditable job for a new corps. They exit with "I'll Be Seeing You" and I hope it proves to be prophetic because we will be looking forward to seeing them not only in this but in future years. Score, 45.676 - - P.S. I always enjoy seeing a brand new corps.

First place went to Pennsgrove "Blue Rocks", last year's champions. They showed on the field, championship form in music and M&M. Quite precise, and good show of M&M and music. Good arrangements - liked "Tonight We Love". The twist shook up the rather staid crowd - Score, 76.516.

Second place, Bordentown "Little Devils" - To me, their corps was the surprise of the evening with their improvement over last year. They make a slightly off beat appearance in that they have so many really small members and so many bigger boys. No in-between (from the stands). Sounded real good on "Take Me In Your Arms" and "Too Young". Score, 73.33.

Haddonfield "Royaleers" and Hammonton "Joeys" were a disappointment to me in 3rd and 4th place. Expected much more of them. Too much, I guess. Haddonfield with 48 horns had real good field coverage in their M&M. The Joey's sounded real great with "Song In My Heart" and "Autumn Leaves". Also had a real good M&M show. If they get rid of their "tics", they should go to the top. Haddonfield, 70.12 and Joey's, 65.216.

How do you report a non-competing competitor? That was the status of the "Mann Rangers" of Ridley Park. This corps just joined the circuit, 3 days before the contest, and because of regulations not yet complied with, were ineligible to compete for the championship of the circuit or to receive a trophy. This is a real good corps and will be an asset to the circuit. Although judged as any competing unit, they were not placed or announced at the show. Do a great job on Bill Bailey. They are the corps to make the most effective use of their flags and are really great to watch. Actually had a score of 71.51.

The host corps, Palmer "Chessmen" are the big question mark of the circuit now. They put in a fine exhibition, good M&M and music. It will be one more week before they compete against the other corps at Bordentown.

The "Silver Beavers" of Beaver Meadown, Pa. gave an exhibition. This corps was and still is a potential member of the circuit. It's too bad they are not already in. They give a good show - comparable to any other corps in the field.

Scores:
Blue Rocks ....................... 76.516
Little Devils ....................... 73.33
Royaleers ......................... 70.12
Joey's ............................... 65.216
Sea Lancers ..................... 45.676
Mann Rangers* ................ 71.51
*Not eligible for circuit championship contest.