Monday 22 October 2012

Only Connect 2012/2012 - Quarter Final 1


Only Connect 2012/2013 - Quarter Final 1


As stated in my preview I though this would be a very interesting encounter indeed with two sides with quite different strengths displayed in the first round. My prediction was a narrow win for the Draughtsmen, all top ranked UK quizzers.

Draughtsmen
Iwan Thomas
Stephen Dodding
Andy Tucker

Numerists 
Hanna Twitchell
John Wilson
Dorian Lidell

The Draughtsmen opened up proceedings with a strong first round which is what you would expect from an experience team. I think the key to this match was going to be building up an unassailable lead going into the last round as that is where the Numerists were so strong in the first heat. With the first round ending in a 6-3 lead for the Draughtsmen there was a big chance this was going to be a very close encounter.

The second round however was where the game seemed to be won this week. The Draughtsmen started off with one of the few 5-pointers we have seen this series based on Rugby Union points scorers, added  quick bonus and scored again on the next questions. All of a sudden the Numersists mood seemed to turn a little as they perhaps realised the pedigree of opponent tonight. The Draughtsmen only missed one very tough question and even though the Numerists took some confidence from lapping it up a 15-4 lead was looking ominous.

Sadly for the Numerists, the wall defeated them. So many time you hear contestants get the link but fail to identify the four...this time it was the TV shows of the 70's. Yes, it was before their time but I thought that was a very gettable link. They made a good effort on a wall that was indeed testing but 1 link and 2 connections sealed their fate.

The Draughstmen on the other hand played it perfectly. Making as much use of the time as possible, a clearly good strategy on this round, they got full points on their wall and by this point had sealed their place in the Semi Finals.  25-7

The Numerists are one of the finest players of the last round in this years series and it showed again. They dominated this round scoring more than double than the opponents but it was too little too late. 28-14 was the final score and a well deserved victory.

Congratulations to the Draughtsmen who have every chance in the contest this year, especially on this sort of form. The only downside for them could be that final buzzer round but 28 is a fantastic score and no team will want to face this experienced bunch in the Semi!

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