My quiz is brilliant, by quiz is pure. It’s better than all others, of that I’m sure

Charles C

High-octane quizzing last night, which saw three teams in joint first place at half-time and at full-time. The closely run competition helped us learn that: podobromhidrosis means stinky feet; there are 13 people in Da Vinci’s painting of The Last Supper; and, five cards are shown to everyone in Texas Hold ‘Em poker.

Winning some consolation sweets, “Last Place” found themselves in last place (is that nominative determinism?) but knew that the candlestick is the first Cluedo weapon alphabetically. The inappropriately named “Inevitably Last” won the second-from-bottom bottle of wine, having been good on Greek salad cheese. “Please Give Us A Free Drink” were next, with good knowledge of Jacob Rees Mogg and the abolition of slavery.

“Spicy J Archers” delivered another solid quiz, correctly getting my lateral thinking puzzle about reading a clock in a mirror. An international contingent named “King Quizzard” did superbly, correctly identifying a very early photo of Robert Downey Jr and knowing that Canada is 150 years old. Winning the points-per-person award, the sibling duo “Macaque Attack” had a great quiz, knowing it was the Cowardly Lion who sought courage from the Wizard of Oz and that Pumba was the first Disney character to break wind in a film.

The football timetable alignment meant “Beer Express” could return, which they did, impressing many with their knowledge of Mount Fuji. “The Anti-Rogues” were similarly impressive, and thoroughly deserved their position on the podium, particularly having got the Spinal Tap anagram the fastest. “Incredible Charlie gained immortality in 1960” would likely have won in any other week, having correctly identified the Alderney flag and known that bees communicate by dancing but...this was not any other week.

A three-way tie, saw “Dr Quiz, Medicine Woman” (who got the 50:50 celebrity face split and the Ramones questions right), “Fishermen’s Friends” (who knew the Salt Lake City Olympics took place in 2002 and knew what underwater hockey is) and “You’ll Never Walk Malone (who knew when Lent starts and got three points on the James Blunt – You’re Beautiful lyrics) all finishing level. A tie-breaker on the average daily number of passengers through Heathrow (c.220k!!) saw “You’ll Never Walk Malone” winning the £40 bar tab.

“Fishermen’s Friends” got the closest guess to the men’s world record javelin throw, meaning they faced off against our higher-or-lower card pack. The cards were cruel again and the £170 went un-won. There must be an angel, with a smile on her face as it becomes more than £215 next week. Someone’s got to win it one of these days. It could be you but you’ll need to be there. #onlytheduchyarmshastheanswer