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).