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!!

14th February–Another Massacre

 

On the 83rd anniversary of the St Valentine’s Day massacre the two teams of the Waters Green Tavern gathered for the local derby. Tension rose high – lonely wives left behind to celebrate the romantic night of the year alone, seeking comfort in the warm embrace of East Enders. Speaking of murder, vice, doom and gloom …

Yes on this day all those years ago, Al Capone sought to eliminate his rival Bugs Moran when he organised out-of-town gangsters to rid his fair city Chicago of unwanted whisky smugglers, prostitution pimps and drive-by shootists. Two assassins were disguised as police officers and entered the warehouse that was used as Moran’s headquarters and ordered the seven people outside; there they were joined by four plain-clothed guys and they all opened fire. But the Moran gang were ‘ard!! Six were killed outright but Frank Gusenburg, who had been hit with fourteen bullets told police no-one had shot him!! He died three hours later.

It seems public opinion was not terribly impressed with Capone’s clean-up operation (since it just meant he could do more of the same) and the FBI were stirred into action – Capone was arrested for tax evasion two years later (tax evasion – the first zero tolerance?) and died of syphillis in prison.

The Rams and the Phoenix settled down for a different kind of showdown.

We thought the questions were very good indeed and whilst there were no big scores (except Bob with a very creditable 18) at the end of the Specialist rounds the Phoenix were leading 58 points to 43.

Just as Moran’s gang were dressed in Sunday best with no inkling of what was to come, the Phoenix sat back smugly and ordered another beer.

The General Knowledge rounds started and it soon became clear that Kalashnikov Keith P of the Rams had simply been holding fire as he started on a remarkable run. As before the questions were very good but the Phoenix did not do so well – in fact largely due to Keith’s run of 27 points (emphasising why he is the top scorer in the B League) the Rams massacred the Phoenix winning the round with 93 points to the Phoenix’ 65 giving them the game with 136 to 123. No complaints, the questions were good, balanced and fair to both sides but on the night the Rams were the better team.

The Phoenix individual scores were Bob 18/15, Wendy 9/15, Nick 6/12 and Tomo 9/3; conferred points were 11/15 and passovers 5/5. The Rams picked up 5/12 passovers.

It was a most enjoyable game overseen by Graham from the Park Tavern with good humour and firmness on time. It ended with a magnificent chicken casserole that Brian proudly brought in with his shiny new slow cooker – it was delicious.

Thank you Brian, thank you Graham and thank you the Rams for a great game – well done.

LIKE YOU’VE NEVER BEEN GONE

 

With apologies to Billy Fury for mutilating the title of his song.

After playing the Albion only last week we were facing them again this week on their own ground – and it must be said that the Albion has changed considerably since our last visit – it is now much friendlier and the one (Robinson’s) ale on tap was in very good condition. After an initial confusion with the seating arrangements the team settled down to their usual jocular selves. But we knew that after last week’s very close result they would be out to win – and to make matters worse Rosie was missing.

The Phoenix got off to a very shaky start and at the end of the Specialist questions were trailing by 10 points with 33 to 43 although the questions were fine; they fared rather better with the General Knowledge but the questions cannot be allowed to go without comment. The lack of E-mail for one of the teams seems to have caused problems with the vetting as there are at least two wrong answers in the GK (both indicated on the questions blog). Whatever did we do before E-mails?

Rosie made a late appearance that perhaps helped the Phoenix claw back some of the lead finishing the GK with 75 to the Albion’s 70. Final score 113 to 108 to the Albion knocking the Phoenix off their shared top spot. Individual scores were Bob 3/15, Wendy 6/12, Nick 3/9 and Tomo 3/12 with 11/14 conferred and 7/13 passovers; the Albion picking up 7/9 passovers.

It was an enjoyable game and the better team won – well done the Albion. Nicely rounded off with a selection of sandwiches – thank you the Albion.

31st Jan–the Plate Quarter Finals

 

The Phoenix had been drawn against the Albion, always a tough team to beat, especially when the answers are all conferred. Moreover it was rather discouraging to learn that John of the Albion was probably alone last week in knowing that the horse’s head appearing in the Godfather was called Khartoum!!

Once again the FA had created a distraction with both City and United playing League games but the tension was such that no-one asked about the score at any time. It was a bitterly cold night so the Phoenix grabbed the fireside table forcing the Albion to sit by the draughty door, a bit of gamesmanship that did not go unnoticed!! But we had Rosie and she likes the seat near the fire.

The questions had been set by the Ox Fford and the Cock-A-2 (formerly the Castle) and whilst being generally difficult were equally balanced. Unfortunately the tension got to the Phoenix such that on several occasions they talked themselves out of a correct answer.

The first round of 20 questions set the scene for a difficult game ending with 10 each; round 2 put the Phoenix ahead with 11 to 8; round 3 saw the Phoenix nose ahead with 13 to 12 but slip back in the next round with 15 to 17; the fifth round was 12 each with the last round seeing the Phoenix just edging it with 11 to 10. Final score to the Phoenix with 72 to 69.

It was a great game with lots of laughter and good spirits, well controlled by John from the Cock-A-2 and lubricated by Allgates stunning California ale (named after a Wigan coal mine) a golden beer its taste belying its 3.8% ABV.

Oh and United beat Stoke 2-0 drawing level with City at the top of the League since Everton managed a 1-0 win.

24th January - Away to the Plough Horntails

ick was not playing in the quiz as he was soaking up the culture of London (including the exhibition of illuminated manuscripts at the British Library – hence the opening character) but with the assistance of a judge they managed to win the game against the Plough Horntails. The questions can be seen here. Hope to show detailed results in the future.

Have now had a chance to look at the results and comments - in a week of generally low results and critical comments, the Phoenix did well. At the halfway stage they were ahead with 49 to 27, and they won the General Knowledge rounds 77 to 63 with a final score of 126 to 90. Tim playing his first game in the League did very well in the Specialist questions whilst Tomo achieved a magnificent score. Individual scores were Bob 3/18, Wendy 9/12, Tim 12/6 and Tomo 12/21; conferred points were 7/12 with passovers 6/8. The Horntails picked up 7/8 passovers.

17th January 2012 Home to the Lamb

 

“And the Wolf shall dwell with the lamb”

This was the first game of the second half of the season and the Phoenix were lying second with the Park Taverners snapping at their heels. The Lamb have had some unfortunate results and were holding up the rest of the League – see the link to News & Views aside. It was therefore with a vulpine, confident swagger that the Phoenix gathered on their home turf. Coincidentally Macc Town were playing Bolton in a 3rd round replay of the Cup having drawn 2-2 in the first round – both they and the Phoenix had a lot to live up to!!

The Specialist Questions (set by The Church House Bollington) were different (not to say unusual) with tongue-twisting questions and mathematical symbols. Unfortunately these were far more to the Lamb’s taste than to the Phoenix who finished the rounds 13 points behind (45 points to the Lamb’s 58)!! Only Bob and Tomo got into double figures (12 each) so there was a lot of hard work to do!!

The General Knowledge were more to the Phoenix’ taste and the scoring was pretty steady as they fought to get back into the game. After a couple of beer breaks in which the Magic Rock Curious ale fortified spirits and minds the Phoenix had managed to make up the deficit and get a nose in front eventually finishing the questions with 79 to 51 – a good recovery.

Individual scores were Bob 12/12, Wendy 3/18, Nick 3/12 and Tomo 12/12; conferred points were 12/14 and passovers 3/11. The Lamb picked up 6/3 passovers.

For some reason the game lacked the sparkle we have come to expect and have previously enjoyed with the Lamb and we don’t think it can be put down to the questions. Perhaps it was the pain Nick was obviously experiencing with his neck that spread to the rest of the players’ bums.

Final score then was 124 to 109 – a fine recovery sadly not matched by Macc Town who lost the replay 2-0.

A fine selection of sandwiches rounded off the evening. Thank you Brian and Tracey.

Quizmasters 10th January

 

This week the Phoenix set the specialist questions and asked both sets at the four games in the B League – hopefully not as unctuously as Anil Kapoor in Slumdog Millionaire.

There was a special round to celebrate Bob’s 25 years in the quiz league and generally they went down quite well. The big question remaining is which of the quizmasters got the best supper!! Did anyone do better than Nick with chips, sausages in onion gravy and bread and butter??

13th December–away to the Plough Horntails

From our sports writer Duncan Disorderley

Greetings!

I thought I might pen a few lines to your blog as I met my old friend Bob Langstaff the other day and we got around to talking about the early days of the Macclesfield Quiz League when I was first reserve for the Robin Hood in Rainow. It’s good to see that this old hostelry has a team in the Quiz League once more, trying to do as well as its illustrious predecessors. It’s even better to know that the Robin Hood is still open! This time last year there were three pubs in Rainow and now there’s only the one - The “Rising Sun” has finally set, and the “Highwayman” has robbed his last shilling. Bob told me that my old mate Graham Holt was making a guest appearance for the Tavern against the Plough Horntails so I thought I’d go along for old time’s sake as this year is Bob’s Silver Quizzing Anniversary.

The quiz itself was quite good, but not like the quizzes of yore. Those were the days! – the Quiz League of the 1980s when men were men and so were most of the women. There were guys like Nick Dennis, ex-Brain of Britain who led the fearsome Millstone team and used to insult opponents using the ‘sledging’ like the Aussie cricketers do only in a Cockney accent. His team was so dedicated they used to interview hire and fire! They were all fairly old so they had a young lad who was under instruction during the match to answer only sport and pop music questions (at which he was a master) and confer on all other questions.

Then there was the famous smoking Vicar, David Harrison who gave up the league when he could no longer chain smoke his way through twenty rounds. He once played on the quiz team for one of the little house-pubs – I think it was the Morning Star - and we were neck and neck until we had a specialist round on Saints and he knew the bloody lot! I’m convinced to this day that it was divine intervention. Yes, those were the days, when you had to put up with questions like “What is the only creature besides man that can catch leprosy?” That raised some eyebrows I can tell you. Then there were those team members who came out for a pint and an argument. I won’t name the chief antagonist as he may be still around, but no, it wasn’t Paul Beard – he made PB seem like a choirboy!

The Tavern team did OK. Graham held his corner, Bob has lost none of his charm and good looks and Wendy only made one howler when she said that a Royal Enfield was where the queen kept her chickens. Tommo answered well between bouts of making things disappear and they eventually won the match. Didn’t see Nick though. Somebody told me he was away celebrating his 70^th birthday. I must say he doesn’t look seventy, though he must have done at one time!

And in case you were wondering, nine-banded armadillo’s can also catch leprosy.

Cheerio for now

Duncan Disorderley

6th December Away to the Park Tavern

 

Still licking their wounds from the biggest defeat ever, the Phoenix made their way to the Park Tavern.

This pub has not had a team in the League for many years; it has an interesting history having been built in 1825 and after various closures and mergers it became a Robinson’s pub but was allowed to get run down until it eventually shut and it had been empty for over two years. Paradoxically, despite the general decline of pubs throughout the country the revival of real ales has given the Tavern a fresh lease of life; it was bought by the Bollington Brewing Company earlier this year to complement its brewery tap The Vale in Bollington thus securing a presence in Macclesfield. A lot of money has been spent in refurbishment and it is now a very comfortable pub with eight real ale pumps mostly for their own beer but also supporting a guest beer. Brightly decorated and with a very friendly manager and staff the Tavern is a real asset to the town’s ale lovers. All the beers were in top form.

The home team are old friends and we all get along socially – they moved to the Park Tavern when their previous quiz home The Castle closed down.This was also a very special occasion – it was Pete’s 50th birthday!! The small private room where the quizzes are held had been decorated with balloons etc. by the rest of the team and all was set for a most enjoyable evening. Rosie was with us and the Phoenix were buoyant.

Then the questions started.

Mark Twain famously said “All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence then success is sure.” Pah – we soon showed him!!!

The specialist rounds were fairly even with the Park Tavern a nose ahead at the end with 68 to the Phoenix’ 60 – we’ve often closed a gap like that and started the General Knowledge with confidence. Sadly this was misplaced and the Park Tavern continued to draw steadily ahead eventually giving the Phoenix a thrashing for the second consecutive week.

Individual scores were Bob 18/15, Wendy 9/12, Nick 6/9 and Tomo 15/12, with conferred 8/11 and 4/7 passovers. The Taverners picked up 6/11 passovers.

The final score was 154 to 126 to the Park Taverners despite Bob’s and Tomo’s strong scores.

No complaints, it was great fun with lots of laughter, a superb cottage pie presented by the landlord and to round off a most pleasant evening a lovely chocolate cake with 50 candles made by Heather.

A big thankyou to all.

29th November Away to the British Flag

 

The British Flag is a longstanding pub just outside the town centre that has recently been purchased from Robinson’s brewery chain although their beer is still the only choice. Nevertheless it is probably the best-kept Robbies house for miles around (rivalled only by The Dolphin) and of particular interest on the night was their new brew Build A Rocket Boys, produced in association with the well-known rock band Elbow who have just released an album of that name.

The team we usually play in alternate seasons as they achieve what the Phoenix aim for, promotion to the A League if only for one season, and this clash was an important one for both teams – equal first at the start of the game with the Flag ahead on points difference. Nevertheless it was a very friendly game with a relaxed attitude to answers  overseen with patience and good humour by the question master from the Plough.

The questions whilst pretty difficult were nevertheless well balanced although the body-parts round created problems for both sides. But this is where the men were separated from the boys, with the Flag running away from the Phoenix with the last two rounds of the specialist.

At the half-way stage the Phoenix were trailing by 24 points (58/34) from which they never recovered. Individual scores were Bob 12/9, Wendy 9/24, Nick 3/12 , Tomo 3/9, conferred 4/13 and passovers 3/9. The Flag picked up 11/11 passovers winning by a huge margin of 36 points with 146/110.

No complaints, as a team they just knew more than we did and it shows in the result. It was a very pleasant evening rounded off with a fine selection of sandwiches. Well done the Flag.

22 November–the Plate away at the Robin Hood

 

Whilst not exactly under the greenwood the Robin Hood Inn nestles high in the hills above Macclesfield just on the edge of the Peak District. The inn has stood here since 1810 and would have seen many a harvest worker’s thirst quenched.

For most of the team this visit was a first as this is the first season after many years that the Robin Hood has a team in the quiz league. The pub wears its years well and has a welcoming atmosphere, excellent ales well kept and an interesting looking menu – moreover it has expanded with a thriving B&B business in converted stables. It is also Bob’s local.

The home team are a jovial group and we were made most welcome.

There was a wide range of questions set by The Cock and The Harrington Academicals and the scoring was very close, the Phoenix’ early lead being gradually overhauled until the Robin Hood were ahead by a point at the beginning of the last round. Scoring as follows – home team first:

16/17, 13/17, 18/18,13/14,19/12 and the Phoenix just managed to slink in with a 14/20 round – final score 93/98.

A great game, an excellent evening overseen by Dave from the Academicals all rounded off with a fine tray of chips with onion rings with three zingy dips.

Many thanks to the pub and to the team who will be a great asset

15 November–Outnumbered!!

 

This week the Phoenix were at home to the Church House Bollington who must have felt seriously outnumbered – not only was our mascot Rosie present, but the Ladies’ Darts were playing and just as you thought things couldn’t get worse it was the 50th birthday of one of their players so the laughter was even more raucous and loud than usual, not to mention the usual noise associated with a popular old-fashioned pub.

The Church House are old adversaries and we have always been pretty evenly matched – a quick look at the previous three years’ results shows each team to have won three games; this time the match got off to a poor start when Bob put the Phoenix’ names as playing first on both the score sheets throwing everything into confusion – various reasons were offered for this slip. Despite all the distractions, the game was played with good humour and lots of laughter

Mention must be made here of the question master Matt Eagles who managed to make himself heard above the noise and other difficulties and who controlled the game and timing with admirable skill whilst retaining high spirits – the star of the night.

The questions were well thought out and it was interesting to see non-Christian beliefs being brought into the quiz along with some Greek and Roman myths. Even a picture round was very different in that each image depicted a different historical incident with additional material looking for the place or other information. It was interesting to see the new grandfather Bob take over from Tomo as the expert on daytime TV and children’s programmes. A minor complaint was that most of the TV questions were from Sky 1 that is not available to everyone.

However, despite the Phoenix liking the questions, scoring was relatively low with only Wendy maintaining her average for the series.

At the end of the Specialist questions the Phoenix had built up a healthy lead of 10 with 53 to 43, and a similar gap in the General Knowledge.

Individual scores were Bob 9/9, Wendy 12/21, Nick 6/6, Tomo 6/3 with conferred points 10/20 and 10/10 passovers; the Church House collected 7/4 passovers.

Final score 122 to 103 – a most enjoyable game finished off with a selection of sandwiches to soak up the excellent ales on offer – many thanks to Brian and Tracey and again a special word of thanks to our battling question master Matt.

8th November –The Local Derby

 

The first clash of the two Waters Green Tavern quiz teams for quite some time – both teams on home turf and both teams at full strength – including Rosie (although Nick sullenly nursing a fruit juice because of his medication  was a sorry sight).

In sharp contrast to the previous week, the pub was almost tranquil and the quiz proceeded at a fast rate.

Questions had been set by the Park Taverners and the Chester Road Tavern and again showed an imaginative approach with lyrics from the second verses of songs and a geography round based on the Park Taverners’ holiday destinations.

A good guide to the quality of the questions is that nearly all were answered either by the original team or when passed over – very few slipped by and there were no disputes. Moreover it was a very high-scoring game with special mention going to Keith Pointon of the Rams who scored a magnificent 48, only missing a clean sweep of the General Knowledge on the very last question.

Bob, Wendy and Tomo all  improved on their season best  scores whilst Nick slowly managed to clear his fuzzy brain and take part in the General Knowledge.

Graham from the Park Tavern controlled proceedings with humour and firmness in a thoroughly enjoyable game.

Individual scores were Bob 18/24, Wendy 15/24, Nick 3/18 and Tomo 18/15, conferred points were 7/12 and passovers 6/11. The Rams picked up 3/6 passovers.

Final scores (Phoenix first) were half time 67/47 and full time 171/130.

A great game rounded off with a huge dish of fabulous sausages, onion gravy, chips and bread and butter.

Many thanks to Tracey and Brian and to the Rams.

1st November–Home to The Albion

 

The rutting season hits the Macclesfield pub Quiz League as the struggle develops for dominance. At the beginning of the evening three teams lined up with maximum points, and the Phoenix (3rd on points difference) were playing The Albion (2nd). In the traditional manner, as the struggle gets hotter, the air would be filled with the bellows and belches of the competing alpha teams as they strive for ascendancy.

Questions for the evening were all set by the Harrington Academicals and were very well received, and special mention must be made of the question master taking the responsibility for the first time, and doing his own timekeeping. This is a hair-raising situation at the best of times, but the situation was made much worse by the ambient noise in the pub – even the Ladies’ Darts were drowned out!! Not to mention the bellows and belches of the two quiz teams!!!But – it’s a pub and a very lively one too so we have to expect that from time to time. So a special word of thanks to our question master.

It was a keenly fought  game without getting too serious with a relaxed attitude to several of the questions and answers and many laughs and jokes.

Individual scores were Bob 9/18, Wendy 15/18, Nick 9/12 and Tomo  12/6, conferred points 5/13 with 7/6 passovers; the Albion picked up 7/6 passovers, final score being 133 to 108 in favour of the Phoenix.

The magnificent selection of beers was absorbed with a great choice of tasty sandwiches – thankyou Tracey.

The team in first place was the British Flag who retained their position with a win over the Phoenix’ sister team the Rams.

Oh and there were a couple of minor southern teams playing in the Champions League but nobody showed any interest

25th October–First Round of the Knockout

 

The first round of the Cup/Plate and the Phoenix were drawn against the Dolphin Dragons from the upper reaches of the A League – not to worry – we’re good at conferring.

Back to full strength with Bob back from the Lake District and Rosie back in rude health following a rather noisy and messy visit to the vet – and also with the home crowd behind them the Phoenix entered the fray with heads held high.

We found the questions to be very good covering a wide range of subjects with no smart-arse “They won’t get this” spoilers, so a big thanks to the Nag’s Head and the Knot Know-Alls.

It was actually a fairly even-matched game with the lead in each of the six 20-question rounds going from one team to the other as follows (visitors first):

12/18, 20/10, 18/16, 11/19, 23/12 and 17/15 – final score 101/90 a difference of 11.

It was a most enjoyable game with lots of laughter and fun  rounded off with a fine selection of sandwiches that included Brian’s famed roast beef and ham. Many thanks to Brian and Tracey.

The Phoenix now march into their rightful place in the Plate with the hope of reaching the final once again.

Oh yes, once again there was a diversion by the FA but Macc beat Bradford 1-0, and United beat Aldershot 3-0.

18th October–Home to the Plough Taverners

 

The Plough Taverners are getting quite at home at the Waters Green Tavern since they played there against the Rams only last week – they won that game and not long before that were in the Plate Final so we knew it was to be a strong tussle. They’re a great team and good friends.

Once again the football authorities tried to distract attention from our game by arranging for Manchester United AND City to be playing in the European Cup but we were undaunted – this week we had Rosie!! Bob was unable to play but Steve manfully stepped in to cover.

The question setters had only two or three weeks to prepare the questions and they were perhaps a little uneven as a result with too many ancient mythology but both sets were generally well received. In particular the 7th of the Specialist rounds Nick found very interesting – unusual for a picture round.The home team had an anxious moment when Nick confused Laurence of Arabia with Clive of India but fortunately the team were not put off and managed to keep the point.

The specialist rounds were very close with the lead shifting from one team to the other but the Phoenix eventually managed to finish with a nose in front at 49 to 46. In the General Knowledge set, in which Steve scored particularly well, they managed to consolidate the lead with 80 to 66 and the final result was 129 to 112.

Individual scores were Steve 3/24, Wendy 9/9, Nick 6/15 and Tomo 15/6; conferred points were 11/14, passovers 5/12 with the Taverners picking up 5/5 passovers.

The question master was landlady Tracey who strictly controlled timekeeping whilst changing barrels and other responsibilities as required.

A very pleasant evening was rounded off with a fine selection of sandwiches so extra thanks for Tracey.

Oh yes – the other games:

United beat Galati 2-0 with two second half penalties by Rooney

City were a goal down after 4 minutes, equalised with an own goal then snatched it in the 93rd minute with a good goal from Aguero. Glad to see City win, especially without the usual whinge about Fergie Time.

11 October Away To The Lamb

The first game of the new season and the Phoenix were away to The Lamb where the landlord is a long-standing member of the quiz team. It has to be said that since he took over there has been a remarkable improvement – as can be seen, the exterior is cheerful and welcoming and the interior is now brighter, the food is excellent and the pub is clearly a social centre for the village – there was a largish meeting taking place when we arrived and another large group enjoying a meal together. Well done Marshall.

The Phoenix made a tactical error before we even got there! We dropped off our mascot Rosie on the way as there might have been problems with so many people dining. It was like playing with a man down! There was some delay starting as Nick spilt his pint over Tomo who must have spent a very uncomfortable evening but eventually we settled down to a friendly but very exciting game.

Along with the rest of everyone in the League we owe a big THANK YOU to Mark who set all of the night’s questions at very short notice, despite all his other responsibilities for the quiz and his work; with customary modesty he said they had been set by the Ox-fford but we all know better!

Having four picture rounds was something of a shock but they were all different and interesting as were all other rounds.

The game was friendly and lively and very close with the lead shifting from team to team throughout so either team could have won it. Mention must be made of Bob’s first score of the season – 36!! Excellent!!

Individual scores were Bob 15/21, Wendy 15/6, Nick 9/3 and Tomo 15/6; conferred points were 9/20 and passovers 2/9. The Lamb also picked up 11 passovers.

Final score Phoenix 130, The Lamb 128 – very close indeed.

The evening was rounded off with a fine chicken dish accompanied with chips – many thanks Marshall and the team - a great start to the season.

27 September 2011–the Plate Final and AGM

 

At long last the cold, wet nights of summer are coming to a close and we saw the first stirrings of the Macclesfield Pub Quiz League as the stalwarts of arcane knowledge crept from their hibernation and edged their way to The Weavers and a bitter winter of friendly competition and rivalry.

But what would draw them from their slippers and shawls on this night? Ahhh!!

Manchester City playing Bayern Munich!!!

Manchester United playing the mighty Basel!!

No!!! It is the AGM of the Quiz League and the final of the Plate

An inauspicious beginning – no questions!! They had not been collected from the Waters Green Tavern and an envoy was despatched to recover them. In the intervening 10 minutes the AGM was held, the committee was re-elected, some minor changes proposed and adopted, the statement of accounts accepted and the scene was set. Why can’t all meeting be like this?

The Plate Final was between the Plough Taverners and the Harrington Academicals and served as a prelude to two games in the new season as they will both be in the B League .

The question master as usual was Rick Davies with his characteristic good humour and fairness assisted by Allan Sherratt who kept score and timekeeping. and the questions were very good and showed a lot of thought and care by the Chester Road Tavern and The Lamb.

It was a very close match with very little difference throughout the game but eventually the Harrington managed to hold onto a slight lead and win by 81 to 79 with the plough Taverners kicking themselves for a couple of questions they should have got right.

We now look forward to a new season with optimism and good spirits.

Oh, City lost 2-0 and United threw away a lead to draw 3-3 but no-one was interested by then.

Cup Final 19th March 2011

 

Yes it was the other cup final last night.

Unfortunately Nick was not able to attend and looks forward to an account in News & Views, but the questions are available as usual.

Looking forward to next season – thank you for the interest shown in the blog.

Roger Avery RIP

 

On Thursday 7th April, 54 year old Roger was laid to rest at the Macclesfield Crematorium. A former member of the quiz teams at both the The Wharf and the Park Tavern Roger played intermittently for the Dolphin over the past two or three years, and was a regular at the Brewers Sunday night quiz. He was a very keen footballer with interests in music and was learning Spanish at the time of his death.

The very well-attended funeral reflected all these interests and among the crowd were to be seen quiz members, fellow footballers and former workmates. The coffin was draped in his football shirt, and was welcomed into the chapel with recordings of the two goals by Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær in the dying minutes of the 1999Champions League final (that Roger attended in Barcelona) alternating with music by Clannnad. A board displayed a selection of photographs of his life from the Bollington Cross school football team to his teens.

The service was conducted by a family friend (that was a nice touch) and included music by The Beatles (“In My Life”)  and the Rolling Stones (“Tumbling Dice”) and part of the Pastoral Symphony by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Roger’s brother told of some humorous episodes in his life  and other family members paid tribute to his loving nature.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to his Mum and the family – he will be sorely missed.