THE curtain came down on the Oxfordshire Summer Quiz League season lwith the presentation evening held at the North Oxford Conservative Club (Summertown).

Fittingly, every side in both sections, Premier and One, turned up, not only to witness the handing out of the various awards but also to participate in the handicapped quiz which followed, named in honour of two former stalwarts of the Gardener’s Arms (North Parade), Janet Priest and Laurence Stevens, who, sadly, have passed away.

The quiz itself, expertly conducted almost throughout by Rupert McNeile, was dominated by teams from the lower half of Section One. Having been given a sizeable booster score by the generous handicapper (me), The Young Uns, aka Far From The Madding Crowd B (Oxford City), immediately handed back some of their lead by finishing last in round one. Thereafter a pattern was established of a steady shrinkage in their advantage, so that by the penultimate round of the contest, the Black’s Head (Bletchingdon) had taken over the front running duties. These they maintained to the end, prevailing by a mere two points (158-156) from Seacourt Bridge (Botley), with The Young Uns having to settle for third spot, a further four points behind. The Plough (Wolvercote) placed best of the Premiership sides, occupying eighth position. Ploughman’s Bunch! (also Wolvercote), bless ‘em, rushed to inform me after proceedings that they would have lifted the trophy if all sides had started off scratch. They were already struggling under the weight of the silverware doled out to them earlier in the night – when is enough enough?

There is now a two-week break before the Winter Leagues commence on October 17, when another 12 sides will join those who participated during the summer campaign.

I would like to give my thanks to the Oxford Mail for their continued support of the competitions, and also to the club/pub landlords, tenants and staff for providing the playing facilities as well as the various forms of sustenance. Finally, a massive shout out of appreciation goes to James Carr for compiling and distributing the questions.

 

Summer Leagues Roll of Honour

Premier Section – Ploughman’s Bunch!

Section One – North Oxford Conservative Club

Premier Section Blockbuster – Ploughman’s Bunch!

Section One Blockbuster – Black’s Head

Tabletop Winners

Company – Ploughman’s Bunch!

Science Fiction – Far From The Madding Crowd A

Europe – Ploughman’s Bunch!

Football – North Oxford Conservative Club

Janet Priest/Laurence Stevens Memorial – Black’s Head

James Carr's Questions

Which Prime Minister said: “I don’t mind how much my ministers’ talk, so long as they do what I say”?

Which Blondie hit record ends with the line, “I’m in love with you”?

Answers: Margaret Thatcher; Denis