La Horquetta Pan Groove successfully defended its National Single Pan Bands title, while Pan Elders of San Fernando are the new National Small Bands Champion for 2008.

The win gave Pan Groove their third straight victory and the grand first prize of 180 thousand dollars.

The Band placed first in the semi-final stage of the competition and stamped its authority competing against 15 other Bands at the Queen’s Park Savannah last evening.

Doing Edwin “Crazy Ayoung’s composition and song “Soucouyant” , Pan Groove retain the coveted crown scoring 468.5 points.

Second spot went to Marsicans of Mausica Street, Arima which earned them 452 points.

The Band which also finished second in the semi-final of the competition did “Lord Kitchener’s Pan in A Minor”.

Third placed went to T&T Defence Force doing Super Blue’s composition and sung “Flag Party”.

Fourth was Scrunters Pan Groove of St James with 435 points, fifth spot went to Diego Martin based La Creole Pan Groove which amassed 429 points and Angostura Woodbrook Playboyz placed sixth with 427 points.

Meanwhile, in the National Small Bands Final, Pan Elders which topped the semi-final round, held off nine others Bands to win the prestigious title.

The south Band earned 476 points doing D Original De Fosto’s “ Latin On De Court”.

Defending Champions Petrotrin Siparia Deltones had to settle for fourth spot, with their rendition of Shurwayne Winchester and Johnny King’s composition and sung “Whole Day” , which earned them 465 points.

Arima Golden Symphony booked second spot with 470 points while Merrytones of Diego Martin placed third with 469 points.

Point Fortin Band Tornadoes placed fifth with 457 points while Tamana Pioneers came in sixth with 451 points.