19th November - Stitched Up By The Weaver

 

Not in any malicious way, but the Lemmings’ recent success was brought to a shuddering halt.

The Lemmings got off to a bad start as Bob, founder-member and long-time quizzer was on holiday but Graeme manfully stepped in to play his first game in the Macc Pub Quiz League.

Perhaps it was the changing weather that dampens spirits but there was none of the usual banter and jokes that we have enjoyed so far in the A League.  Or maybe it was just Bob’s absence.

We liked the questions but felt perhaps the general knowledge were weakened by too many music questions. Nick as usual struggled with names, confusing Lana Turner with Rita Hayworth, Rhode Island with Long Island and perhaps most oddly using the mnenomic “Everard, shut that door” for Grayson Perry … and still getting it wrong.

This failing alone however cannot explain the scores for the evening, as at the end of the Specialist rounds the Weaver were leading with 79 points to the Lemmings’ 57; and with remarkable consistency they won the General Knowledge with 89 to 64 leaving a final score of 168 to 121.

Individual scores were Wendy 21/3, Tomo 9/24, Nick 15/15 and Graeme 3/3; conferred pints were 7/16 with 2/3 pass-overs. The Weavers collected 6/14 pass-overs, which alone tells a story.

The question master Alice controlled the game and timing very well with a light touch and sense of humour so we finished the game in record time, perhaps because there were no distractions from the ladies’ darts.

 

And yes, we have pour first nomination for the nine-banded armadillo trophy – see here.

The evening was rounded off with a selection of Brian’s home-cooked beef and ham sandwiches that were delicious – thank you Brian, Alice and the Weaver.

12th November–Home to the Knot ‘Arf

 

It was good to meet old adversaries again as we had hardly seen them since they were promoted to the A League some years ago. In that time they have gone through a couple of name changes as they were joined at The Staffordshire Knot by another team; the first name change was the Knot Originals but they have now reinvented themselves by adopting the unlikely DJ’s familiar saying “Not ‘arf” –  could have been worse, might have been “Alright? Stay bright” or even “Greetings pop pickers”!!

The banter we used to enjoy was still lively and Bob demonstrated that he can still remember his old jokes. Moreover the game was played with much generosity of spirit: whenever there was a doubt over an answer the Lemmings generously urged the question-master to give the visitors the points; in similar vein, the Knot ‘Arf generously accepted them.

The questions were very good, failing to get a nomination for the nine-banded armadilllo award whilst venturing into rarely seen areas in the quiz league.

There was little to choose in the Specialist questions the scores being very close at the end of each round – but, at the end of the Specialist the Not-‘Arfs had snatched a lead of 65 to 62, leaving the Lemmings grim-faced and determined.They fought back taking the General Knowledge 91 to 88 meaning that for the second time this season the Lemmings had got a draw with a final score of 153 each.

Individual scores were Bob 9/15, Wendy 12/21, Nick 9/9, Tomo 15/27, conferred 15/12, pass-overs 2/7; the visitors picked up 1/6 pass-overs.

Both Wendy and Tomo showed why they feature in the top ten scorers, Tomo in particular scoring a remarkable 42, a personal best he will struggle to beat.

It was a great evening rounded off with a selection of Brian’s home cooked beef, lamb and ham – thank you Brian and the Knot ‘Arfs for an excellent evening.

5th November–First round of the Cup

 

For the first round of the Cup/Plate the Lemmings were away to The Lamb. This is a beautiful pub in the village of Sutton just on the edge of the Cheshire hills that stretch over to the moors of Derbyshire – wonderful countryside! At one time it was in danger of closure but was taken over by Marshall who played for the local pub quiz team since which time the pub has changed considerably, having been completely refurbished both internally and externally providing a very warm and welcoming hostelry with a quiz team we have known in various forms for many years.

The Lemmings arrived a little early and grabbed the first available reserved table – not realising that it was the traditional table for the home team and unconsciously stealing a psychological advantage; this was given an extra boost when the Lamb explained that one of their team was unavoidable detained and would not be able to appear until about 10 past – the Lemmings had no problem with postponing the start but as the missing player had still not appeared after about 15 minutes the game had to start with the home team at a numerical disadvantage (and on the wrong table!!).

The questions were well balanced and there was little to choose between the teams for the early rounds, the Lemmings managing to cling to a slight advantage scores being (home team first);

14/18, 11/16, 14/16, 21/16, 16/16 and 13/15 giving a final score of 89 to 97 in favour of the Lemmings – the change in the Lamb’s fortunes in the latter rounds can probably be attributed to the eventual arrival of the team’s missing member.

Only one question (q4) raised some difficulty that was resolved in a very sporting manner (the questions showed the wrong answer as all agreed) reflecting the good humour that dominated the game. The pretty good scores show the consistency of the questions although Nick did struggle over the difference between a lakh and a crore.

The evening was rounded off with a fine selection of very tasty sandwiches and chips – many thanks to Marshall and the team for a most enjoyable evening.

29th October–Home to the Ox-Fford

 

A second home game this time against the Ox-Fford, a team with a daunting reputation in the A League usually featuring in the top two positions and top scorers. But heh!! The Lemmings haven’t lost a game!! And of course we had Rosie our mascot.

Both sets of questions had been set by our fellow promotees the Knot Know-Alls  and showed some new ideas, especially the round on The Cabinet.

The question masters were fortunate they were not in competition with the Ladies Darts this week and everyone could hear the questions clearly.

It was a good-humoured game but there was nothing causing outrageous laughter worth reporting.

At the half-way point the Lemmings were trailing with 47 points to 66 but faced up to recouping some ground in the General Knowledge.

But it was not to be as they lost with 81 points to 89 – but the whole team scored well consistently and there is no shame to losing to the Ox-Fford.

Individual scores were Bob 6/15, Wendy 6/18, Nick 12/15 and Tomo 12/18; conferred points were 7/10 and pass-overs 4/5 – the visitors picked up 13/14 pass-overs.

Final score 155 to the Ox-Fford and 128 to the Lemmings. An interesting point is the number of pass-overs – obviously the Lemmings picked up very few but the Ox-Fford collected a total of 27 perhaps reflecting a new tactic of the Lemmings.

Rosie’s collar remained motionless all night!

The evening was rounded off with a fine chicken curry by Brian with pulao rice and nan – thank you Brian, the Ox-Fford for an excellent game and the Knot Know-Alls for a good set of questions.

22nd October–home to The Dolphin

After a nerve-racking game against the Dolphin Dragons last week the Lemmings were facing their sister team The Dolphin in the first of a run of home games. Yet despite the formidable reputation of the visitors, the Lemmings were unfazed as once again we had our trusty mascot Rosie complete with flashing collar, and as that great quizzer in the sky Alexander Pope has said “Hope springs eternal”.

The questions were well balanced but there was perhaps an over-emphasis on celebrity game shows and a question on how many prime ministers had served in the 20th century drew criticism as even if one could count a mental list there was insufficient time to do so.

The question master from the British Flag put in a sterling performance despite considerable opposition from the amazonian ladies’ darts teams (not pictured,) remaining unflustered despite the noise.

The Lemmings remained disciplined throwing nothing away and Wendy in particular startled us all several times by dragging something from the deepest recesses of her skull when all others hadn’t a clue!!Even so, it came as something of a surprise at the half-way stage to find that it was level pegging with 49 each – Rosie’s collar blinked!!

The General Knowledge questions were very varied ranging from mythology to advertising slogans via London statues testing a wide range of knowledge that seemed to reflect the Lemmings’ interests.

Scores for the evening were Bob 9/18 Wendy 15/9  Nick 6/15 Tomo 6/18 Conferred 9/13 Pass-overs 4/12.

Scores for the General Knowledge were 85 to 71 in the Lemmings’ favour, final score being 134 to 120. Rosie’s collar was spinning!!

It was a very pleasant game, not taken too seriously, rounded off with a fine selection of cheeses with biscuits and warm baguettes.

Thank you Brian, the Dolphin and well done the question master.

And finally we are proud to introduce the trophy for the nine-banded armadillo award although there are as yet no nominations.

NEW SEASON – NEW NAME

 

At the end of the last season, the Phoenix had achieved their long-held goal of rising from the ashes of the B League into the celestial heights of the A League – which means that their name no longer had any relevance and a new one was called for, more in keeping with their prospects in the new season.

After much deliberation the team decided on another beast who’s activities have often been misunderstood but do seem to presage the future.

So it was with much trepidation that the team headed for the Dolphin for the first game of the season. The pub has recently had a complete refurbishment and is now much brighter whilst retaining its very friendly atmosphere, and the Dolphin Dragons team has been sitting comfortably in the A League for many years. It is also one of the most reliable of the town’s pubs for the quality of the beer (Robinsons).

There was a bit of a query about allowing our sole mascot Rosie into the pub but we eventually resolved that and she did us proud, sporting her new flashing collar.

The questions had been set by the Ox-Fford and were very well received with both teams scoring well and never separated by more than three points as the game edged towards a tense last round with good humour and banter. As was to be expected in the A League there were relatively few pass-overs.

Individual scores were Bob 6/27, Wendy 12/27, Nicki 15/21 and Tomo 15/21 with conferred points 9/10 and pass-overs 6/5. The final score 174 each – a draw!!!

On reflection, some tactical errors cost the Lemmings a win, in particular Nick’s culinary pedantry about the ingredients of a vindaloo cost a valuable point.

Special mention must be made of the quizmaster Paul Morrisey who kept the quiz rolling along with a deft hand and good humour and made the evening such a pleasant one, rounded off with a generous dish of chicken curry with real chips.

Many thanks to Paul, the Dolphin pub and the Dragons for a great quiz evening

A New Season

 

The cool mists of autumn are edging the eccentric days of summer into cloudy memories of floods, heatwaves, holidays and political demonstrations.

Among the memories is the annual party hosted by the Waters Green Phoenix that started as a celebration when they were promoted to the A League many years ago attended by the team, substitutes and partners/wives; the next year was a bit larger when the team were relegated back to the B League and has grown every year since until now about 70 attend. The Phoenix have now again been promoted so next year’s will celebrate relegation as the team name has been changed to the Lemmings.

As usual the season began with the Plate Final, this time between the Plough Taverners and the Park Taverners who faced a varied collection of questions in a very closely fought battle. For the first few rounds the Park edged it with slight margins so there was a difference of 10 points at the half-way point. But the Plough fought back so that with just ten questions left the scores were dead level and the teams matched each other blow for – in the end it was question 119 that decided the issue and the mighty Plough won with 81 to 79. It was a great contest!!

The final was followed by the AGM which as usual took about 10 minutes as the Executive and excellent secretary had done most of the spade work – details will appear in News and Views – see the link at right.

Onwards to a new season!!

THE FINAL CURTAIN

 

April 16th saw the last gasp of the season with the Cup Final between the Ox-Fford and the Harrington Academicals. This will covered in more depth in News And Views but the questions have been posted – they were very good indeed.

Duncan Disorderley will be penning some thoughts on the season that will be published when available.

March 19th–Season’s Last Game

 

News and Views has already pointed out how close the situation is in the B League with several permutations of promotion and relegation being possible depending on the results of this the last game of the season.

The Phoenix were playing the Nag’s Head, a Robinson’s pub with a delightful interior and with a better selection of beer than the usual Robbies; as well as the usual, there was Dizzy Blonde a tasty light beer, and Frederics a ruby red ale named after the founder and celebrating 175 years of brewing in Stockport.

The team are old friends from over the years who have had more success than the Phoenix in short-term promotion to the A League and were sure to be a tough team to beat.

The questions were something of a mixed bag, the Specialist in particular being difficult if not obscure and perhaps one or two will make it into the new blog being a hall of shame for obscure questions. At the end of the Specialist the score was 40 to the Nags to just 37 to the Phoenix’

A special mention must be made of the question master from the Knot Know Alls who was clearly inexperienced but controlled a game that had a lot resting on it and in which the tension broke through from time to time. Nevertheless the game was played in good humour with friendly banter. The General Knowledge rounds ended with 63 to the Nags and 76 to the Phoenix.

The tactic of the Phoenix is plain to see from the scores below – at the cost of individual glory they made sure that they answered almost all of their questions:

Bob 3/15, Wendy 3/12, Nick 6/6 and Tomo 9/15; conferred points were 11/18 with 5/10 pass-overs. The Nags picked up 9/9 pas-overs.  Final score 103 to the Nags, 113 to the Phoenix.

The evening ended with a magnificent supper of a choice of sweet and sour chicken or piri piri chicken with chips and bread and butter. Many thanks to the Nags for their hospitality, to the team for their good humour and to the Knot Know Alls for their control of the game.

The end of a great season that sees the Phoenix top of the League and heading for the A League.

13th March – Twilight of the Season

 

With just two more games to play (one for some!!) only one point separates the top three teams and the next two teams could still come top of the League. This season has been a real cliff-hanger for the B League.

The Phoenix were playing at home for the last time, against the Plough Horntails who are in the chasing group; old friends who are always a challenge despite the light-hearted approach. Bosley was tired after a week in London with his former owner (Nick’s son) but Rosie turned up to make sure we were not without a mascot.

All questions had been set by the Knot Originals, and a welcome change from the furore surrounding last week’s Specialist – see comments beneath the blog. The Specialist in particular were very well received especially by the Phoenix as the questions played to their strengths in the main - although the Horntails finished the rounds with a lead of 50 to 49.

In the General Knowledge the Phoenix managed to take the lead and played in a very disciplined manner to finish the rounds with 84 to 76, making the final score 134 to 125.

However, we will have to wait until the full results are published to see if the Phoenix have done enough to get promoted to the A League.

Individual scores were Bob 12/12, Wendy 9/18, Nick 6/18 and Tomo 6/15; conferred points were 11/8 with 6/13 pass-overs. The Horntails collected 4/9 pass-overs.

A most enjoyable evening, enhanced by the superb selection of ales and good humoured banter. Thanks to the question master from the Cock-A-2, to the Horntails and to Brian and Tracey for a delicious selection of sandwiches and pies for supper.

Bring back the missing Trophy!

 

Hello All!, Duncan Disorderley here. The Waters Green Phoenix team is away on a bonding course prior to their final push for a promotion spot. They’ve gone on one of these self-help courses called “Tap Dance Your Way to Social Ridicule” so Nick has asked me to pen a few words for the Blog.

Actually, I’m glad of the opportunity to say more than a few words. As someone who has been on the Macclesfield Quiz League Scene for 27 years since I first started playing for the Limping Whippet, I feel it my duty to point out that some of the questions setters are taking liberties. Questions are being asked that only the most devoted geek could answer and you can take it from me as a keen observer that this is not going down well. Mind you, this is nothing new. Let me tell you a true story. Those of a certain age may remember in the early 1990s that a spate of smart-arse questions came to a head when four whole leagues of unsuspecting teams were given this question:

“What is the only creature, apart from man, that can catch leprosy?” (I’ll pause here whilst you rack your brains)......................

No?

Thought not.

The answer is the Nine-banded Armadillo. No, not the fourteen-banded or the triple-banded – they are immune. Just the nine banded variety.

Complaints were made, results were checked and NOBODY in all four divisions (the league was bigger then), got the question right. Following lots of discussion and accusations of stopping rival teams from scoring, my old mate Peter Cole introduced the “Nine-Banded Armadillo” Trophy for the worst question of the season. This was actually awarded, (amongst much good humour, I might say) for two years running. It did have an effect and the smart-Alec questions diminished. They are back.

Yes, I KNOW that the quiz league can be an object lesson in obscurity. I’ve never forgotten my own embarrassment in my first year when I was told amid much chuckling that Stanhope, Phaeton and Brougham were types of horse-drawn carriages and not a firm of Macclesfield solicitors, and that the Transuranics are elements and not a rock group.

I KNOW the time-worn arguments that are tripped out at a time like this – “the only hard questions are the ones YOU don’t know the answer to” is my particular favourite.

I KNOW we’re still burdened with stupidities like Collective Nouns and Phobias which we blacklisted years ago (apparently Gallophobia is fear of the French, not of hanging), but we can’t get it ALL right.

I KNOW that they are legitimate questions but the clue is in the world General Knowledge, not Geeky Knowledge! There have even been WHOLE ROUNDS on obscurities. If I have never watched Corry or think that rap should be spelt with a silent ‘c’ then that’s my tough luck for the odd questions that come along on those subjects, but not eight of them! All these questions do is spoil a good evening’s entertainment.

Off my soap box now, but I’m going to ask to Blogmeister Nick when he comes back, if the light-hearted Nine-banded Armadillo Trophy can be re-introduced. We’re near the end of the season but we could use the remaining matches as a trial and kick off properly in the new season. I’m hoping Nick will agree to have an Armadillo League Table to which I will send contributions and I hope that others will. There should be a suitably daft prize for the winning setters!

If you want to send me nice comments or better still money, please leave a message with Nick.

Bye for now

Duncan.

After Duncan’s comments above The Phoenix were Question Masters propting Bob to add te following:

“"It was question-master time for the Phoenix last week, so Bob Langstaff has sent in this brief report:
Hi All, and thanks to my old comrade-in-arms Duncan Disorderley for his  contribution to Nick's brilliant blog.
Lots were drawn as usual and I ended up refereeing the Plough Horntails versus the Robin Hood. The Plough is a great pub with what I would vote the most friendly staff anywhere outside of the beloved Tavern. Not only that, having a rubbish sense of direction, I can see the pub lights from miles away so I don't get lost!. To anyone who has not read the novel "Titus
Groan" then you should have. Those who have read it will be reminded of one of it's best chapters - "In A Lime-Green Light".    Every time I go to the Plough I think of the evil Swelter sharpening his axe!
All that aside the teams and the evening were a treat.  Both teams were a bit put-out when they discovered that a packed pub were not cheering them every five minutes but were watching Man United against Real Madrid!  They soon swallowed their pride, and a few pints and got on with the quiz. The questions generally went down well except for the round on Red Dwarf which went down like a rattlesnake in a lucky dip/fart in a submarine. All were in
good humour and the Robin Hood ran out winners. A lovely supper provided by the friendly hosts!
I believe that quiz guru Duncan has asked Nick to re-introduce the
Nine-banded Armadillo Trophy. He has seen the questions and would like to make his first submission.
Question Setters: Prince of Wales (from a round called "The Smeg It Is"
Question: The actor David Ross played the original Kryten before being replaced. However he returned to voice the character of which annoying kitchen appliance?
Answer: Talkie Toaster.”

BRING BACK ThE  MISSING TROPY!!

26th February–Night Off

 

This was the night of the Cup and Plate semi-finals so the Phoenix had a night off. Bob and Nick met up in the Tavern and listened in to the Waters Green Rams playing the Harrington Academicals – a very good game with the question master bravely struggling against the noise of the ladies’ darts.

A brave performance by the Rams but it is the Accies who go forward to the final.

The questions can be found here.

18th Feb Home to the Robin Hood

 

At our last meeting in the first half of the season the Robin Hood thrashed the Phoenix by almost 30 points (Nick achieving an all-time low score of 3!!) but we were set to meet the challenge on this occasion. We were at full strength including our two mascots Rosie and Bosley, we were playing at home and were determined.

The visitors had some transport problems and turned up some 15 minutes late (having rung ahead) which set the Phoenix’ nerves on edge; and they then shocked the Phoenix by revealing they had brought a mascot themselves!! Not only that but the cute little dog was called … Rosie!!!

The team are actually a very friendly bunch and Bob is well known to them – a fact that resulted in some good-natured banter throughout the evening. When they had got a drink in their hand and settled at the visitor’s table the quiz started.

In the opening rounds the Phoenix played strongly and had a slender lead, but then in their anxiety to win the game they lacked their usual discipline and guessed at answers. Nick in particular who prides himself on never guessing and always conferring if he is not 100% sure threw away points with three consecutive wrong answers and looked as though he was to fail to reach his previous worst!! Scores were generally rather low but at the end of the Specialist rounds the visitors were ahead with 48 to 34. There were some stern words in the subsequent beer break and the Phoenix began to play a more disciplined game; even so, they only managed to win the General Knowledge with 81 points to 80 – final scores were 128 to 115 to the Robin Hood.

No complaints about the questions that had been set by the Dolphin - they covered a wide range of subjects and were well balanced although there were one or two pretty obvious answers and perhaps too many nursery rhyme questions.

Individual scores were Bob 9/15, Wendy 3/12, Nick 0/12 and Tomo 3/15; conferred points were 11/8 with 8/6 pass-overs. The Robin Hood collected 6/5 pass-overs.

Despite the thrashing it was a most enjoyable evening rounded off with an excellent selection of sandwiches – many thanks to Tracey and Brian, to the visitors and to our question master Shauna from the Park Tavern.

12th Feb–Back at The Plough

 

It is always a pleasure to visit the Plough – a very warm pub, and the friendly landlord and landlady always welcome Bosley with treats – he insists on calling on the way back from his afternoon walk; and the resident dog Bowzer has taken a shine to Boz with perhaps over-affectionate displays. The Plough Taverners quiz team we have known for many years and the games are always good fun.

The Specialist questions we thought were very good indeed except for a rather disappointing last round on the price of various (some local) items. But a round on sausages must be a first and to make it interesting was quite a triumph. The Phoenix managed to slip ahead in the Specialist with a lead of 66 to 49.

The General Knowledge were also fine with a good spread of questions but  the home team were nibbling into the lead – the {Phoenix managed to  cling on to eventually finish the round with 76 to the Plough Taverners’ 80. The game finished in the Phoenix’ favour with 142 to 129.

Individual scores were Bob 12/21, Wendy 12/12, Nick 9/9 and Tomo 18/9. Conferred points were 10/17 with 5/8 pass-overs. The home team picked up 4/7 pass-overs.

The evening finished with a great curry and chips – many thanks to the Plough and to the Plough Taverners for a very pleasant time

5th February – Listen to Mancini

 

At the weekend Mancini told his City players that if they wanted to be top of the League they would have to win every game thus putting them in a similar situation to the Phoenix; gathering at the Waters Green Tavern after a day of heavy snowfall and chill winds the Phoenix looked solemnly at the League positions. Although top, just three points separated the first four teams and the sister team still had a game in hand. If the Phoenix were to achieve their long-held ambition for another season in the A League every game was going to have to count.

Tonight’s game was at the Park Tavern, a pub that was taken over and refurbished a few years ago by the Bollington Brewery and now serving their own-brewed fine beers and guests, all on top form in a very friendly atmosphere that is extended to dogs – Bosley took advantage of this but Rosie had taken one look at the snow and cuddled up in front of the log fire at home. The home team are old friends and favourites who had beaten us in the first leg of the League and certainly posed a threat to the Phoenix’ ambitions.

The questions covered a wide spectrum from that day’s news headlines (Chris Huhne and Richard III) to motor manufacturers and were very well received. The Phoenix played a very tight game marred only by Nick confidently giving a completely wrong answer on local history - usually a strong point.

Individual scores were a masterly 15/21 for Bob, Wendy 9/6, a wretched 6/6 for Nick and 6/15 for Tomo; conferred points were 8/11 with 7/12 pass-overs. The home team collected 6/7 pass-overs. Final score a very narrow victory to the Phoenix of 122 to 120.

The evening was rounded off with an excellent chilli and buttered baguette – many thanks to the Park Tavern, to the question master from the Robin Hood and to our opponents.

29th January – The Rams Again!!

 

This was the third local derby, two in the League and now the Cup quarter-final. It began with a crisis!! The Rams (jokingly!!!) challenged the right of the Phoenix to have two mascots (Rosie and Bosley); order was restored by the League secretary Mark who adjudicated that it was permissible unless either one of them answered questions.

Despite this advantage, the Phoenix started very badly and soon were losing with just 5 points to the Rams’ 13! However they got their act together and the round finished with the Rams having an advantage of just two points with 15 to 13.

The next round ended with a draw and the third gave the Rams a two point advantage; they also won the next round by just one point but continued to press ahead with leads of 4 and 3 in the last two rounds.

Scores for each round were (Rams first) 15/13, 16/16, 11/9, 19/15 and 17/14. Well done the Rams and good luck in the semis.

The questions were a mixed lot but fairly well balanced and the visiting question master from the Robin Hood ran the quiz with good humour.

The evening ended superbly with chip butties – many thanks to Brian and Tracey.

22nd January Local Derby - Titanomachy

 

Actually it something of a conceit to say this was the Battle of the

Titans as although this was a game between the two teams sharing the top spot the Rams had a game in hand (see News and Views link on right) and the league is so tight there were only 3 points separating the top six teams. Moreover when the two teams met in the first half of the season the game ended with a draw.

But the Phoenix did have several advantages – both mascots (Rosie and Bosley) were in attendance and they had the home team table. 

Adum from the Rams on the other hand was sitting in front of the roaring fire and the smell of burning flesh heightened the tense atmosphere.

The Specialist questions had some interesting rounds on hats, faith hope and charity and numbers and a science round that was about science!! A good set even though Nick managed to score zero!! No complaints – it was the black hole in his memory that digests all the names never to reappear – not even Stephen King!!. At the end of the Specialist the Phoenix had managed to run up a lead of 51 to 37.

The General Knowledge were also pretty good and well-balanced and the Phoenix increased their lead with 75 to 65 giving a final score of 127 to 102.

Individual scores were Bob 12/3, Wendy 12/12, Nick 0/18 and Tomo 9/15; conferred points were 10/19 with 8/8 pass-overs. The Rams picked up 8/5 pass-overs.

A very special  mention must be made for Tracey, who although not having stopped running her socks off in the pub since before Christmas still managed to play for the Rams and also produced a delicious ‘tater ‘ash with pickled red cabbage land baguettes – a big thank you to Tracey and Brian, to the Rams and to the question master from the Nag’s.

AWAY AT THE KNOT 15 January

On a freezing cold night the Phoenix set off on a journey to Staffordshire to play the Knot Know Alls.

   The Knot has an interesting history: it was originally known as the Railway Inn as it was built very close to the track of the North Staffordshire Railway, affectionately known as “The Knotty”.  

Alongside the pub is the former Rushton station, now a beautiful private residence, built in the typical Knotty architectural style and with the former station platform forming a feature in the garden. The track bed is now a public footpath leading to and alongside Rudyard Lake terminating in a blocked-off tunnel that formerly led into Leek.

With a heavy emphasis on food it is unfortunate that the present management has a no-dogs policy as this meant neither of the Phoenix’ mascots, Rosie and Bosley, could throw their weight behind the team’s efforts.

Both the Knot’s quiz teams are however much more friendly and it is always a pleasure to meet them in the League. This was no exception.

The questions had been set by The Church House, Bollington and were something of a curate’s egg. A science round that avoided any science and a rather heavy emphasis on pop music, television and cinema were something of a disappointment and skewed the normal scoring pattern.

The end of the Specialist rounds saw the Phoenix with a rather healthy lead of 45 to 31;  and despite the criticism above, the General Knowledge rounds were also favourable to the Phoenix who finished with a lead of 78 to 67 making the final score 123 to 98.

Individual scores were Bob 3/6, Wendy 12/21, Nick 6/12 and Tomo 6/18;conferred points were 11/13 with 7/8 passovers. The home team picked up 5/8 passovers.

The questions were expertly  asked by Keith from our sister team the Rams and a very pleasant evening ended with a supper of sandwiches and chips.

Many thanks to Keith, the Knot Know Alls and a rather grudging thanks to the Knot management (the supper was excellent, pity about the dogs policy).

January 8th Home to the Cock-A-2

 

“I have seen dawn and sunset on moors and windy hills coming in solemn beauty like slow old tunes of Spain” (John Masefield).

In December as the chill, cold breath of the twilight settled on the half-way point of the Macclesfield Pub Quiz League the Waters Green Phoenix were fourth in a very tight League (in fact 3rd equal separated by only two scoring points) and just four points behind the leaders, the sister team the Rams – see News and Views link on right.

As the dawn rose on the second half of the season the Phoenix were at home to the Cock-A-2, who had beaten the Phoenix with 163 to 147 in the first leg This was a good game to win.

The questions were very good indeed – it was especially good to have questions on Macclesfield’s history (unless like the Knot teams you come from Staffordshire!!But hey!! Stuff ‘appens!!) and ranging from opera to entymology. At the end of the Specialist the Phoenix had slipped ahead with a 10 point lead of 88 to 78; the General Knowledge saw a slimmer lead to the Phoenix of 62 to 56 with a final score of 150 to 134.

Nick struggled with the specialist but the rest of the team put in strong performances with Bob scoring 36 and Tomo (with what is becoming his norm) 33.

Individual scores were Bob 15/21, Wendy 15/9, Nick 3/15 and Tomo 12/21; conferred points were 9/16 with 8/6 passovers whilst the Cock-a-2 picked up 3/6 passovers.

A pleasant evening of good quizzing ended with a superb supper of sausages in onion gravy with chips and bread and butter. Thank you Tracey, thanks to the Cock-A-2 and also to David the question master from the Plough Taverners.

11th December–Home to the Nags Head

The arctic cold that had gripped the country for a week had enveloped the town in its icy breath leaving fog and slippery roads in the town and surrounding villages; yet still the intrepid stalwarts of the Quiz League ventured out to play the final games in the first half of the season.

The Phoenix were drawn against the Nag’s Head, a team with much experience sitting in fourth position in the League.

As always, much depends on how the questions suit the teams’ strengths and the Phoenix very much liked the Specialist rounds (Nick even got two sports questions right!!!) – but The Cock who had set them let themselves down very badly by not submitting them for vetting by the two teams not playing in the A and B Leagues and this is a timely reminder that the rules state that this should be done. Had they done so some awkward blunders could have been avoided: Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No 8 is actually the Pathetique and not the Emperor that is a concerto and numbered 5; halva (not havla!) can be made from sesame seeds  but lots of other things too; and the last set (It’s Not About Parrots) has the same answer to three completely different questions. No doubt there are other blunders that could so easily have been avoided. Even so, at the end of the Specialist the Phoenix had stolen a lead of 63 to 40.

The General Knowledge were much more consistent (having been vetted by The Weaver) and to the Phoenix’ strengths allowing them to extend their lead with 73 points to 64 with a final score of 136 to 104. Individual scores were Bob 9/9, Wendy 12/9, Nick 15/12 and Tomo a very strong 15/18; conferred points were 4/12 and passovers 8/13. The Nags picked up 4/8 passovers.

It was a good game played with good spirit overseen with humour and laughter by visitors from the Knot who had struggled in from the wilds of Staffordshire and had set the General Knowledge questions. They were question masters for the night that ended with a splendid supper of burgers and chips.

Many thanks to Brian and Tracey, to the Nags Head and to the questions masters.

4 December Away to the Plough Horntails

 

After several home games the Phoenix were away at The Plough, shrouded at night in a sepulchral green glow. It is a very friendly community pub with a strong emphasis on football – indeed our mascot Bosley was greeted as an old friend and strutted around as though he owned the place!

Our opponents have been old friends over the years and it was good to see them again.

Both teams liked the questions that produced some remarkable scores, in particular Malcolm from the Horntails who scored an outstanding 42 nearly getting a full house in the General Knowledge dropping only one question (just after being told he was on the way to getting a full house!!). And playing in position 3 – a great achievement!!

Both sets of the questions were pretty good with just one or two provoking discussion, in particular one in the picture round – question 3. It was an unusual situation at the start of the game in that the Phoenix’ sister team The Rams was top of the League with 9 points whilst the Phoenix were just three from bottom with 5 points – only 4 points in it; as usual all to play for.

At the end of the Specialist the Phoenix were ahead by 59 to 38 but there was a storming recovery by the Horntails (especially Malcolm) in the General Knowledge that ended with 71 each.

Individual scores were Bob 12/18, Wendy 15/9, Nick 6/9 and Tomo 9/18; conferred points were 7/16 with 10/6 passovers. The Horntails picked up 7/5 passovers. Final score135 to the Phoenix and 114 to the Horntails. It was a most enjoyable game with jokes and laughter rounded off with a chicken curry and rice – many thanks to the Plough and the Horntails.

And a special thank you to the question master who was obviously suffering discomfort, and particularly from Nick for not striking through the questions as they were asked making scanning and editing them for the blog an easy task.

27th November – Question Masters

 

This week it was the Phoenix’ turn to ask the questions – Nick was fortunate to have the Plough, just around the corner from home and was treated to a super supper of sausages and chips. Wendy covered The Cock at Henbury and presided over a narrow win by our sister team the Rams over the Cock-A-2. Nothing known at present about the other two games.

The questions had been vetted by the Phoenix but still presented some problems for both teams, and whilst the Phoenix were 4 from the bottom at the start of the evening all teams beneath them had a game in hand so no doubt the Phoenix will slip further down the table when all results are known. In the meantime the Rams’ win takes them to the number 1 spot – congratulations and well done.

CUP ROUND 2 Home to the British Flag

 

Hmmmm!! Up against an A League team – but we were up to strength with both mascots in attendance and a full team. As always it was a matter of the questions meeting the team’s strengths but this time they would have met with the approval of a Trivial Pursuits champion.

They ranged from bog-standard quiz questions (Dr Johnson’s biographer!!) to obscure mythology, little-known terrors, an obscure name for an opera hat that sounds like a phase of the moon, the inevitable phobia (that was spelt incorrectly just to make it even harder!!) and so on.

Whilst all six sections of the quiz were keenly fought both teams were gradually losing the will to live – this is reflected in the consistently low scores with neither team managing to answer questions – always an indication of poor question-setting.

Scores were as follows for each round (home team first) 11/10, 12/15, 11/10 – half time score 34/35; 6/7, 11/8 so with one round to go the Phoenix were a nose ahead by one point and the last round finished …. 14/14. The Phoenix had scraped home by just that one point.

An excellent selection of sandwiches and pork pie was gladly received at the end of a stressful evening. Thanks to Brian and Tracey for the hospitality and to the British Flag for their patience.

12th November Away to the Robin Hood

 

“Feared by the bad,

Loved by the good …”

The Robin Hood is a lovely, old traditional pub found as you leave the village of Rainow heading into the hills. Within the exposed stone walls there is a very interesting menu but the food does not mean that it is no longer a pub and among the real ales there were two local brews, from Red Willow and The Vale all in top form.

The quiz team only joined last year and were promoted to the B League after just one season; among the players last night was Tim who was one of the original members with Bob when the Phoenix were first formed with another name and venue.

Asking the questions with a light touch was Heather from the Park Tavern.

The Specialist questions were set by The Wharf and were approached from a rather different direction than normal: one round had answers that were all either dogs or someone called Leonard or Ernest; this was followed by a Geography round in which the answers when printed in upper case do not contain the letters ABDOPQ – unfortunately one of the given answers (Belize) clearly broke this rule as did one of the supplementaries. Other questions favoured daytime TV watchers. All the rounds were keenly contested and The Robin Hood finished with a slight lead of 39 to 36. No problem, the General Knowledge are the Phoenix’ strong point.

The Park Tavern had set the questions that were balanced and fair but … the Phoenix really struggled steadily falling further behind finishing the round with 58 to the home team’s 80 – a sound thrashing!! From a personal best a couple of weeks ago, for instance, Nick scored a personal worst in all the years he has played!!

Individual scores were Bob 6/6, Wendy 3/21, Nick 3/0, Tomo 9/6; conferred points were 7/21 with 8/4 passovers; The Robin Hood picked up 5/10 passovers. Final score 122 to 94. This despite Rosie’s presence.

The evening rounded off with excellent chip butties – thanks to the pleasant staff, the team and special thanks to Heather, particularly as she kindly changed the 0 in Nick’s score to a smiley face.

6th November–Home to the Plough Taverners

 

Not looking good!! No mascots again and lots of distractions: presidential elections in the US, City against Ajax in the Champions League, Macc Town playing Tamworth and the Phoenix have won only one game in the Quiz League – by just one point!!

The Plough Taverners are old friends over many years and it was good to welcome them to the Waters Green.

The questions were very different, even beginning with a joke!! Then followed by four (yes four!!) picture rounds. There was some amusement as the first round asked us to identify the country “Highlighted in green ..” or some other colour when the images had been printed off in monochrome!! The advertising slogans round soon identified the daytime TV watchers but the Dingbats brought a real hammering to the Phoenix who managed just one point to the visitors’ 8 (all by the same player!!). The quotations in the history round were a refreshing change too. All in all, with the exception of the Dingbats, the questions played to the Phoenix’ strengths as they finished with a lead of 64 to 49.

The General Knowledge were also very good and again the Phoenix benefitted. You will notice a remarkable coincidence in the scores for this round.

Mention must also be made of the questionmaster, a young lady who does not usually play in the quiz but her Dad Dave from the Plough Horntails could not make it and prevailed upon her to ask the questions which she did with calm efficiency and humour.

Individual scores were Bob 12/18, Wendy 15/18, Nick 6/18 and Tomo 18/18 (three excellent scores over 30) with 9/11 conferred points and 4/11 passovers; the visitors picked up 3/11 passovers. The Phoenix won the General Knowledge round with 94 to 69 winning the game with 158 to 118.

Of the distractions, Obama won the election with Romney surprisingly gracious in defeat, which is more than can be said for City who gamely recovered a two-goal deficit to end in a scrappy finger-jabbing draw. And Macc beat Tamworth 2-0 dragging themselves up to about 7th in the League.

The evening ended with excellent sandwiches including Brian’s famed roast beef and ham – thank you Brian and Tracey, the Plough Taverners and our questionmaster.

30th October Home to the Park Taverners

 

Once again the Phoenix were without their mascots – Bosley was out on the razz celebrating coming second in the veteran dogs competition at the Treacle Market whilst Rosie was grounded for sneering that when she entered a similar competition in Langley she came first.

Otherwise the Phoenix were at full strength apart from lingering colds and looked forward to meeting old friends the Park Taverners, a very strong team. On the last game the Phoenix had won but the Park were unlucky to have had to play with only three members. This time they had a full complement and were rairin’ to go.

 

Both teams tended to struggle with the specialist questions as they were quite out of the ordinary and in fact quite informative (see in particular the Irish round) with some rather obscure questions followed by some that the players hesitated to answer as it seemed so obvious. But by and large both sets were quite enjoyable.

At the end of the Specialist the Park Taverners had crept into a lead of 5 points with 45 to the Phoenix’ 40 – not much to worry about there as the Phoenix have frequently overturned such a lead.

Both teams were more comfortable with the General Knowledge questions but once again the Taverners showed their class and took the round with 93 points to the Phoenix’ 90 – final scores 138 to 130.

Individual scores were Bob 12/18, Wendy 3/9, Nick 3/18 and Tomo 6/24; conferred points were 12/13 and passovers 4/8 (very low!) while the Taverners picked up 6/7 passovers.

A keenly fought game rounded off with a selection of tasty sandwiches from Brian and Tracey. Thanks to both and to the Taverners for a most enjoyable evening.

First round of the Cup/Plate

 

The Phoenix were back again at the Cock in Henbury this time to face the original quiz team, adversaries for many years.

Although Bob was back from his meandering, we sere still undermanned – both Rosie and Bosley were unavailable. Nevertheless we pushed on and in a friendly and fairly well matched game managed to take the round with a score of 84 to 64 that does no justice to the Cock.

The evening ended with an excellent selection of sandwiches and salad – many thanks to The Cock staff and team

Local Derby 16th October

 

The Phoenix and the Rams gathered for their first clash of the season at the Waters Green Tavern; to the Phoenix’ great indignation they were shifted from their normal seating arrangements to the visitors’ table on the grounds that it was the Rams’ home game!! Bob has still not resurfaced and Tony again manfully stood in as reserve; similarly Bosley covered for Rosie as the team mascot. Boz quickly stretched out and fell asleep causing Tony great discomfort as there was nowhere to put his feet and we were all too soft to shift Bosley.The Nags Head had not managed to gather a full quota of question masters and once again Tracey had to share her time with the cellar, the food and and acting as question master.

Whilst there were no distractions in the pub, there was much discussion about the England Poland World Cup game (that was postponed because they forgot to close the retractable roof in a downpour and the field was flooded!!) while the under-21 game against Serbia was a disgusting display of racism and violence.

The Phoenix really struggled in the Specialist rounds and at one stage were 20 points behind with Nick having failed to get onto the scoreboard. They were then very lucky with the James Bond round scoring 3 points each and 3 passovers ending the Specialist rounds with a deficit of 5 with 46 to 51.

The General Knowledge rounds were much more evenly matched and the scores were fairly even making it a real cliff-hanger. The picture above is not in fact the Derby, but the Irish St Leger – that finished  with a …. dead heat!! The Phoenix won those rounds by five points with 84 to 79 leaving both teams with 130!!!

Individual scores were Tomo 6/15, Wendy 15/12, Nick 3/27 and Tony 9/9; conferred points were 7/14 and 6/7 passovers. The Rams picked up 8/10 passovers.

It was a great game with a friendly spirit that was rounded off with an excellent feast of chicken curry with rice and chips. Thank you Tracey, and a big thank you to the Rams.

9 Oct HOME TO THE KNOT KNOWALLS

 

A tough game with two substitutes in the first home game of the season: Bob was wandering the country looking for a serai to park his caravan but thankfully Tony stepped in at short notice and put in  a strong performance; and Rosie could not make it but was replaced by Bosley a retired guide dog (Nick’s son’s).

The Knowalls are a very strong team from the Knot in Rushton Spencer who were promoted from the C League at the end of last season – their first!!

Once again the gods conspired against us; not only were Macc Town playing Gateshead but the Tavern was hosting Ladies’ Darts, a cribbage final and the quiz!! We were fortunate to have Tracey, owner/landlady of the Tavern, asking the questions – at times it got rather noisy but Tracey was able to restore order with that eloquence for which she is well-known . Both teams struggled with the questions, especially the Specialist that yielded very low individual scores ending with the Phoenix clinging to a very slender lead of 42 to 37. The General Knowledge saw some improvement but the Phoenix lead was slipping away.

The team was well-disciplined, wrong answers usually being given only when the rest had shown they had no idea; but conferrals did not always work as when Wendy had to compensate for a wrong answer about her home town Liverpool by correctly giving the correct answer to a question about bras, both conferred by Nick. Nick however confused Botticelli’s Primavera with Rubens’ Judgement of Paris, and wrongly accused the roué Liszt of an affair with Clara Schumann when it is widely believed to be Brahms.

Individual scores were Tomo 6/12, Wendy 9/12, Nick 3/18 and Tony 3/6; conferred points were 11/14 and passovers 10/12; The Knowalls picked up 7/12 passovers.

The General Knowledge finished with 78 to 74 to the Knowalls leaving a final score of 116 to 115 – a win by just one point to the Phoenix. Despite the distractions it was a most enjoyable game rounded off with a magnificent dish of sausages in onion gravy with chips and bread and butter. A double thank-you to Tracey and we look forward to the return match.

Bosley enjoyed it too – especially when he was rewarded with half a sausage!!

Away to the Cock-A-2 2nd October

“I hear the strain of strutting chanticleer: cock a doodle do”

The first game of the season, drawn against the Cock-A-2, - old adversaries who played at The Castle before its demise and then moved to the Cock at Henbury; a very good team who generally achieve what the Phoenix set out to do – fluctuate between the A and B Leagues and this game marked their return to face the Phoenix. A friendly bunch so please ignore the apparent criticism above from The Tempest.

The Cock is a large pub in Henbury on the outskirts of Macc with several large rooms, one of which had been set aside for the quiz. The staff are very pleasant and friendly and the Robinson’s beer is on top form. A warm and welcoming pub.

The questions had been set by the Oxford C and were received very favourably – a good balance covering a wide range. After the first round of Specialist questions the Phoenix had slipped into a  lead of 6 with 10 to 4 – hopes soared. However the next round saw the Cock-A-2 come storming back 13 to nil!! From then until the end of the Specialist the scores were fairly even but the Phoenix never managed to make up that deficit scores ending 68 to 60 in favour of the home team.

In the General Knowledge the first three rounds all went to the Phoenix who scored 33 to the Cock-A-2’s 25 thus evening the scores. However they could not keep up  the momentum and Cock-A-2 slipped further ahead with some storming rounds final score being 163 to 147.

Individual scores were Bob 15/21, Wendy 9/21, nick 9/9, Tomo 15/15, conferred 7/14 with 5/7 passovers; the home team picked up 9/10 passovers.

To lose with 147 points is pretty surprising, but it was a very friendly match ending with a tasty selection of sandwiches. The task is to repeat that total throughout the season!!

“The Harvest Is Past …

 

… the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”

Yes, as Isaiah noted, the long wet summer has splashed to a chilly end yet once again The Weaver sprang to life as the town’s quizzers emerged from the darkness of Thornton Square to signal the new season of the Macclesfield Pub Quiz League.

The Phoenix at least were able to look back to one warm day in July when the clouds broke for the annual party and the sun shined on friends, some of them members of other teams.

The origins of this ritual feast go back to the year the Phoenix were promoted to the A League and a celebration was felt to be in order; the next year was to mark our return to the B League and subsequent years have marked yet another close run thing.

There was music with mandolin, squeezebox and several guitars (with Steve holding it all together). Bob gave a magnificent account of the ballad of Cowheel Lou,a tribute to Mike Harding, and Nick had even managed to secure the services of an opera singer, a student at the Royal Northern College of Music whose voice rang clearly across the valley – a marvel!!

Nick had gathered some nibbles, Brian and Tracey from the Waters Green Tavern very generously donated a barrel of excellent ale and Nick’s sons provided another. Several guests brought cakes and sweets to round off the meal that were gratefully received. An excellent day.

But back to The Weaver on a chilly and wet evening for the League AGM and Plate Final. The AGM was as all such should be – over in five minutes - but then a problem arose. A team from the Park Tavern had elected to play only in the knock-out competition and had battled their way through to the Plate Final (winning one game with only two players!!) but sadly on the night (after various changes at the Park among other factors) were unable to get a team together and the Harrington Academicals took the Plate by default. There was then a fairly even split by those in attendance – either get together a scratch team to play the Academicals, or go into the next room to watch City play Real Madrid. In the end both happened and a very entertaining quiz game ably questioned by Bob ended in a win for the scratch team; not wishing to gloat but United’s former player Ronaldo scored for Madrid in the 90th minute to win the game 3-2.

We were fortunate to have a professional photographer in attendance in the person of Matt Eagles (he plays in the soon to be relocated Albion team) who has captured the spirit of the evening in a fine collection of photographs that can be seen here.

We all look forward to the start of the league in two weeks.

“And Now The End Is Here …

 

… And we must face the final curtain” with apologies to Paul Anka.

Doing it Frank’s Way

For the last round of the season (excluding knock-out competitions) the Phoenix were asking the questions – having clung to second place despite some heavy losses it was clear that this position was in jeopardy as two teams that were joint second each had a game in hand. Sure enough, both teams won leaving the Phoenix wallowing in fourth place.

Nick asked the questions in a very good humoured game between the Park Taverners and the Lamb – the questions did not rate highly and the scoring was generally low, but the Park Taverners pulled through in a very close fought game (97 to 91) that regrettably saw the Lamb relegated to the C League next season.

The Church House Bollington was the other team in joint second and in another close finish (126 to 123) they beat the Plough Horntails widening the “goal difference” over the Park Taverners and thus securing promotion to the A League next season.

It has been a most enjoyable season for the Phoenix with some close finishes, some surprise defeats, a lot of laughter and excellent team work. Also Bob and Wendy were in the top 10 individual scorers with Tomo close behind; Nick was languishing in mid-table obscurity.

Well done to the Church House Bollington, we’re looking forward to playing old friends the Park Taverners again next season along with newbies from the C League the Knot Knowalls and the Rising Sun; joining from the A League will be the Cock-A-2 (the former Castle team) and the Nags Head.

Finally a big thank you to Brian and Tracey for their support and hospitality throughout the season and to all the teams we played for making it such fun.

The Phoenix’ Last Chance Saloon

 

This was the Phoenix’ last game of the season on which their hopes for promotion rested. Playing at home against the Plough Horntails the Phoenix were looking to avenge the defeat when they last met. Despite having lost several games they were still second in the League and hopes were high that they would be able to achieve at last their ambition to be in the A League if only for one season.

The Horntails are old friends and adversaries although there were a couple of new faces in the lineup. The Phoenix on the other hand were at full strength and had Rosie the mascot too.

The Specialist questions had been set by the British Flag and whilst there were no high scores, we thought they were original and very good. At the end of the Specialist the Phoenix were trailing 43 to 45 – not a big problem.

The General Knowledge were set by the new team the Robin Hood and this was their first attempt at question setting – they acquitted themselves well but they need to check the balance – one player got about four music questions!

But it was in the General Knowledge that the Horntails stormed ahead with one of the new faces in particular getting a very high score – they took the GK with 80 to 55.

Individual scores were Bob 9/9, Wendy 6/9, Nick 9/6 and Tomo 6/3; conferred points were 9/23 and passovers 4/5. The Horntails picked up 3/7 passovers.

The questionmaster was Liz Horrocks from the A League who stepped in at the last minute to cover for the British flag who were a questionmaster down – she controlled the game with good humour and it was a delight to see her.

The game ended with a good selection of sandwiches – thank you Tracey, Liz and the Horntails.

But a sad day for the Phoenix.

13th March–Home to The Park Taverners

 

Back to full strength this week – including Rosie!! Our opponents are old friends but it was disappointing to find that they were having to play with only three members. On the last occasion we were soundly beaten and we would have preferred to start with a level playing field. This was of particular importance as the Phoenix were clinging on to second place by the skin of their teeth from the Park Taverners and Church House Bollington both having equal points and separated by “goal difference” but with a game in hand.

Tradition was always that the place of a missing player would  be taken by an ashtray, but of course since the smoking ban they are hard to find and the hapless question master had to refer to absent friends.

Special mention must be made of the question master as it was the first time he had ever done it and he also had to control timekeeping which he carried off with considerable aplomb.

The questions had a fair sprinkling of river questions that seemed to excite Graham from the Park and they were very good indeed – I think we marked them the highest of the season. Bob and Tomo both had great runs in the general knowledge. At the end of the Specialist the Phoenix had nosed ahead with 47 to 37 and the General Knowledge finished at 88 to 62, final score being 135 to 99.

Individual scores were Bob 9/24, Wendy 3/9, Nick 9/9 and Tomo 6/21; conferred points were 17/12 with 3/13 passovers. The Park picked up 3/7 passovers.

It was a very relaxed game with lots of laughter and jokes, and Nick said it was the most enjoyable game he had played that season. Brian rounded off the evening with a magnificent chicken casserole. Thanks to Brian, the Park Taverners and the question master for a most enjoyable evening.

”We shall not flag or fail …” 6th March

Yes this was the return match against the team from British Flag who are not pictured alongside. We knew this would be a tough match as despite a series of losses recently the Phoenix were still second in the League with the Flag holding first place.
Moreover, Bob was off on his hols somewhere and Wendy was laid up on a strict diet of pain-killers (our two best scorers!!) – and Rosie was absent too!! Fortunately we managed to drag Steve out of retirement to play and Eric  was roped in at the last minute.
We thought the questions were pretty good except that several should have had some leeway. There was an interesting spread of classical and pop music and all were obviously carefully thought out.
The Phoenix played well as a team and it was a very friendly and enjoyable game with a relaxed and sympathetic question master from the Plough Horntails.
Tomo showed why he regularly appears in the League’s top 10 and Steve and Eric both played a solid game.
Individual scores were Steve 6/9. Eric 9/9, Nick 3/12  and Tomo 9/15; conferred points were 7/15 with 7/4 passovers. The Flag picked up 8/10 passovers. Final score 134 to the Phoenix’ 105.
A most enjoyable evening was rounded off with a fine selection of sandwiches - thanks Tracey, Gill and the Flag – a very pleasant evening despite the score.

PLATE SEMI V HARRINGTON ACADEMICALS

It has been some years since the Phoenix played at the Harrington Arms. The pub in Gawsworth is an original 17th century farmhouse that developed into a pub whilst retaining the farming business. For many years it was run by the fearsome Mrs Bayley who deeply resented Robinson’s Brewery, the owners, interfering in the way she ran things – she never forgave them for introducing handpumps as she preferred to take a jug down to the cellar. There was always a jar of pickled eggs on the counter and I remember once having the temerity to ask if there were other baps than cheese and onion – “You’d be glad o’ that if you’d been picking potatoes all day!” It was famed as the pub with the 20 watt bulb and known locally as The Slaughtered Lamb.

Sadly Mrs Bayley passed away some years ago and the business changed hands a couple of times. And what a change now!! Bright lights, warm fires and a fine food menu and the farming business is a separate concern. An historical era has finished.

The first round of 20 questions went to the Phoenix with a lead of 10 points, but round 2 went to the Harrington by the same margin; rounds 3,4 and 5 went to the Harrington with a couple of points but they pulled ahead strongly in the final round taking the game.
The questions have raised some problems. I originally took a decision to publish the questions every week to prevent duplication, to resolve any queries and to allow teams to go back to particular questions as required; it was never meant to be a repository for future games. It has been pointed out to me that over 40 of the questions for this game were lifted from a single game played two years ago (see General Knowledge Q49 onwards) which is rather disappointing.
Nevertheless this was not noticed at the time although some questions seemed familiar; it was a most enjoyable game with Bob managing to get one of his notorious jokes in (“I used to hate Jane Austen until I went on a Northanger Management course”) rounded off with a splendid selection of sandwiches including the best roast beef ever!!


Scores for the six rounds were 18/8, 12/21, 9/12, 10/14, 13/15 and 13/19.

A Battering On Pancake Day

 

February 21st – Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Day. The day of confession before lent begins, and an opportunity to use up eggs that were traditionally given up for Lent. Or on a more secular note it is known as mardi gras (Fat Tuesday) a time for dancing and merriment. On this day, the Phoenix travelled to Bollington for the return match against the Church House, a busy pub serving excellent food and on the night serving excellently kept York Brewery’s Guzzler beer – a light and tasty golden brew.

The Phoenix have suffered some defeats recently and were bent on redressing the balance. The questions were interesting even having a round on old radio programmes – something of a first surely as was the round on philosophers.

Notwithstanding the interest however, the Phoenix were trailing at the half-way mark with 50 points to the home team’s 52 – but we’ve usually done well with the General Knowledge so were not unduly bothered.

But it was not to be – the questions were varied and balanced but the Church House won the round with 78 to 71 with a final score of 130 to 121.

It was a very friendly game against old adversaries the only sour note being when Nick blamed Doris Day for getting an answer wrong – she hadn’t said whether the Black Hills were in North or South Dakota!

Individual scores were Bob 9/12, Wendy 6/21, Nick 6/12 and Tomo 12/9 with 13/10 conferred points and 4/10 passovers. The Church House picked up 3/12 passovers.

John from the Albion was a good-humoured question master and the evening was rounded off with a selection of sandwiches.

Sadly it was a battering for the Phoenix on pancake day!!