Our opponents were the redoubtable Dengate, from Bexleyheath, winners for four of the last five years and holders of the quiz trophy. And they moved swiftly into gear, taking the first round by 5-1. RBBG reduced the deficit, in round two, then a maximum plus a bonus point saw RBBG leading 15-12, after three rounds. It was Dengate’s turn for a maximum in round four, to tie the scores at halfway, then another maximum to take a two point lead. Round six, however, started a decisive change in fortunes, as RBBG won the round by 7 points to 2, to lead by three points.

  Dengate were, clearly, a very strong outfit. There were many hugely difficult questions in the quiz, but if they had a weakness, it was probably in the area of popular trivia; it might not be too fanciful to say that their loss of two points, in failing to identify the father of Peaches, Fifi and Trixibelle , RBBG going for the jugular with a bonus point by identifying Bob Geldorf, represented that three point swing to our side.

  Honours were even, in round seven, and our three point lead was maintained. Poised for the final round – could we hold on?

  And then, as in each of our matches in this, our first year in the competitions, our opponents had a final round disaster. Both teams muffed their first question, but thereafter, it was maximum points for RBBG ... plus two bonus points for answering their opponents’ questions.

  Dengate’s stranglehold on the trophy had been broken. A final margin of eight points flattered us, as it was always tight, till that last round - but we had won!

  Dengate and their supporters
  took their defeat with good
  grace and we know that any
  future contest with them will
  be a battle. But 2009 belongs
  to RBBG.

  It seemed like Llandudno was the perfect finish to a year in which the group has had to reinvent itself, but many congratulations to our team of Doreen, Chris, Norman and their formidable captain, Hans, for adding such a superb flourish. They bring home a handsome trophy, for the group to hold for the year, and each of them has their own cup as a permanent memento. (Thanks again, K.A.B.).

   Can it get any better than this?!