Jack Bubb from Redwall. Photo supplied.Ashburton College made their musical mark on the annual Smokefree Rockquest regional final.

Their two entries have taken home the third place award and the Smokefree Best Vocals award, despite tough competition from 14 other bands and solo-duos.

The event was held in Timaru’s Theatre Royale last Friday, and saw high school performers from Mid and South Canterbury battling it out for a spot in the national finals.

Jack Bubb from Ashburton College band Redwall won the Smokefree Best Vocals, while three-piece band Two n Half took out third place.

The grand winner was Pseudo Sane from Geraldine High School, and second place was given to ALRM from Opihi College.

Smokefreerockquest Founder and director Glenn Common said there are more bands than ever before reaching the high standard required from national finalists.

It had been a tough job for the judges this year, organisers noted.

Mount Hutt College had also entered two performers – band North Yarn and soloist Jaime Lamond.

Ashburton College’s Redwall has won musical gear from associate sponsors NZ Rockshops, and have the opportunity to gain selection for the national final in September.

SFRQ founder and director Pete Rainey said in regional cities the Smokefreerockquest final is often the year’s biggest youth gig and a major influencer.

By Katie Todd © The Ashburton Guardian - 26 June 2018