Round 2 of the District 1180 Quiz v Llandudno

Former trophy holders Rhyl saw their designs on again emerging as Rotary District 1180 Quiz kings narrowly thwarted in a tense climax to their second round tie against visitors Llandudno at Faenol Fawr. After welcoming the capacity attendance, including a big contingent from Llandudno, host President Rod Brocklehurst switched hats to take on the taxing role of infallible question master for the testing twelve alternating rounds of challenging mixed topics. Rhyl captain Gareth Wynne Jones introduced his team of Keith Sanderson, Mike Howarth and debutant Gareth Davies as the home club set out to advance their prospects of capturing the title for the second time in recent years. Instead, it was Llandudno who fairly shot off the grid to take a threatening 23 to 16 points lead after four rounds before Rhyl staged a strong revival to begin the second half with the deficit not only expunged but the score impressively transformed into a 33-32 home advantage! It proved of singular significance as Llandudno responded with three strong rounds to go 52-46 in front but the outcome remained in doubt as the margin was trimmed to 58-57 and then 62-58 going into the last round. Despite scoring 4 points to their opponents’ 2, Rhyl finally had to concede 64-62 as skipper Gareth Wynne Jones warmly congratulated Llandudno on their deserved victory and wished them all success in future rounds. Both captains agreed it had been a most entertaining evening of fun and fellowship and all those who had participated were thanked for their support and involvement. Earlier secretary Gordon Marshall announced that more than 750 children had been introduced to Father Christmas at the hugely successful joint Kinmel Garden Centre grotto venture in partnership with organizers St Asaph Rotary Club, raising a bumper £2,750 for charity in the process. The strong ties between these neighbouring clubs will be further cemented when Rhyl visit St Asaph for their next meeting on Thursday January 26 at Bod Erw.