Championship of Champions - The real draw

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:48 pm

The CoC draw has had a few changes so I thought I'd start a new topic. The confirmed lineup is:

David O'Donnell vs James Hurrell
Junaid Mubeen vs Tony Warren
Richard Brittain vs Jon Corby
Richard Priest vs Kai Laddiman
Nick Wainwright vs Steve Baines
Anita Freeland vs Jonathan Coles
Charlie Reams vs Peter Davies
Steven Briers vs Debbi Flack

At least 12 of the 16 players are members of this forum! Filming is 7 - 9 December (Sunday to Tuesday.) The updated game table is on the wiki, if you prefer to digest things in that format.

James Hurrell · Post by **James Hurrell** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:50 pm

Not re-drawn then... oh well. Congratulations Debbi btw.

Debbi Flack · Post by **Debbi Flack** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 12:57 pm

Looking forward to meeting up with some familiar faces, and meeting some new ones.

(Oh yes, and getting my a**e royally kicked, but it'll be a great time anyway)

Kai Laddiman · Post by **Kai Laddiman** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 1:40 pm

DebbiF wrote:getting my a**e royally kicked

Don't worry, you won't be the only one

David O'Donnell · Post by **David O'Donnell** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 1:41 pm

James Hurrell wrote:Not re-drawn then... oh well. Congratulations Debbi btw.

Looks like we have no choice, James

.

David O'Donnell · Post by **David O'Donnell** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 1:42 pm

James Hurrell wrote: Congratulations Debbi btw.

...and Peter Davies, he is a very nice chap.

James Hurrell · Post by **James Hurrell** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:45 pm

David O'Donnell wrote:
James Hurrell wrote:Not re-drawn then... oh well. Congratulations Debbi btw.
Looks like we have no choice, James .

I haven't found anyone willing to swap either

How about some warm up games on Apterous???

David O'Donnell · Post by **David O'Donnell** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 2:53 pm

I am blocked from using apterous because of a firewall but would have loved to practise a little before our encounter. Looks like one of us has an early departure - I hope I can do this with good grace but I suspect a hissy fit could be on the cards.

Martin Gardner · Post by **Martin Gardner** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:39 pm

A little bit surprised at some of the players included and some of the ones left out. But I think I should wait until the end of the Series to bring that up; not that I know what happens but I don't see how Charlie, Kai (etc) can answer without providing a spoiler.

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:48 pm

Martin Gardner wrote:A little bit surprised at some of the players included and some of the ones left out. But I think I should wait until the end of the Series to bring that up; not that I know what happens but I don't see how Charlie, Kai (etc) can answer without providing a spoiler.

Don't know who you're thinking of in particular, Martin, but the invitees (at least originally) were chosen before the series was completed, and I believe any inclusions and exclusions are more down to who couldn't make the dates (which have changed a few times now) or who didn't wish to take part, rather than anything else (with the possible exception of Mr Hansford). I think that sentence avoids any spoilers, but I'm sure Gev will spot one somewhere!

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:51 pm

Charlie Reams wrote:Filming is 7 - 9 December (Sunday to Tuesday.)

Meant to ask this earlier. Will this be the first ever recording session to take place on a Sunday? Or for that matter, a weekend? Is nothing sacred any more?

Ben Wilson · Post by **Ben Wilson** » Fri Nov 21, 2008 11:35 pm

Mike Brown wrote:
Charlie Reams wrote:Filming is 7 - 9 December (Sunday to Tuesday.)
Meant to ask this earlier. Will this be the first ever recording session to take place on a Sunday? Or for that matter, a weekend? Is nothing sacred any more?

The trains between Lincoln and Leeds bloody well are.

Though ironically Sunday is the only day there's a direct service between the two cities!

David O'Donnell · Post by **David O'Donnell** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 10:53 am

Mike Brown wrote:
Charlie Reams wrote:Filming is 7 - 9 December (Sunday to Tuesday.)
Meant to ask this earlier. Will this be the first ever recording session to take place on a Sunday? Or for that matter, a weekend? Is nothing sacred any more?

Yes, Mike. I am due to play James on Sunday at 12:30.

Martin Gardner · Post by **Martin Gardner** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 2:40 pm

Martin Gardner wrote:A little bit surprised at some of the players included and some of the ones left out. But I think I should wait until the end of the Series to bring that up; not that I know what happens but I don't see how Charlie, Kai (etc) can answer without providing a spoiler.

Sort of hard to talk about this when almost all of the people involved are members of the forum, I suppose I'm surprised at Debbi Flack and Peter Davies being included as they weren't Octochamps and Peter got knocked out at the semi-final stage. As for Debbi, Martin Bishop seems a more obvious choice; it's not often you get an Octochamps averaging 100 points a game that doesn't make the CofC! This perhaps relates to the fact that Martin gets knocked out in the first round and Debbi makes it all the way to the final (this is guessing I have no knowledge of it)l; I'm certainly not having a go at Debbi, I'm just saying that she's won fewer games and has a lower average score, which is statistically true. You wouldn't leave out Paul Gallen to include Rita Willmott.

As pointed out, quite a lot of people have declined invitations, almost of all of them are Octochamps so that might explain the presence of non-Octochamps, but I feel a bit disappointed for Martin Bishop who's averaging something like 101 points per game.

Kai Laddiman · Post by **Kai Laddiman** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 3:05 pm

Martin Gardner wrote: As for Debbi, Martin Bishop seems a more obvious choice

He said he was asked, but I think he pulled out for some reason.

Gavin Chipper · Post by **Gavin Chipper** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 3:10 pm

Mike Brown wrote:
Martin Gardner wrote:A little bit surprised at some of the players included and some of the ones left out. But I think I should wait until the end of the Series to bring that up; not that I know what happens but I don't see how Charlie, Kai (etc) can answer without providing a spoiler.
Don't know who you're thinking of in particular, Martin, but the invitees (at least originally) were chosen before the series was completed, and I believe any inclusions and exclusions are more down to who couldn't make the dates (which have changed a few times now) or who didn't wish to take part, rather than anything else (with the possible exception of Mr Hansford). I think that sentence avoids any spoilers, but I'm sure Gev will spot one somewhere!

I think there have been some suspicions that maybe one or two have been selected over others simply for being female.

Martin Bishop · Post by **Martin Bishop** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 5:58 pm

Kai Laddiman wrote:
Martin Gardner wrote: As for Debbi, Martin Bishop seems a more obvious choice
He said he was asked, but I think he pulled out for some reason.

Yeah, I had to go into the first day of a new job and ask for half a week off. That didn't work out so well.

Hopefully, I'll have another chance to come back sometime.

Debbi Flack · Post by **Debbi Flack** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 6:04 pm

I know I'm probably only there because others couldn't make it (and yes, maybe because I'm female), but nevertheless I'm just going to go and enjoy myself and do my best.

Richard Priest · Post by **Richard Priest** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 7:30 pm

I think Anita Freeland and Jean Webby both deserved their places, after all Anita was a runner-up and Jean won 9 games before losing in the semi which is as good a record as a lot of the other original invitees. In Debbi's case without knowing how she fared in the finals it's hard to make a judgment. Plus with the number of withdrawals the options as to who to invite were probably getting a bit limited.

Martin Gardner · Post by **Martin Gardner** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 8:05 pm

Rich Priest wrote:I think Anita Freeland and Jean Webby both deserved their places, after all Anita was a runner-up and Jean won 9 games before losing in the semi which is as good a record as a lot of the other original invitees. In Debbi's case without knowing how she fared in the finals it's hard to make a judgment. Plus with the number of withdrawals the options as to who to invite were probably getting a bit limited.

Yeah in fairness Martin's explanation is a good one.

Martin Gardner · Post by **Martin Gardner** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 8:05 pm

DebbiF wrote:I know I'm probably only there because others couldn't make it (and yes, maybe because I'm female), but nevertheless I'm just going to go and enjoy myself and do my best.

You only live once, enjoy it!

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:31 pm

Gavin Chipper wrote:
Mike Brown wrote:
Martin Gardner wrote:A little bit surprised at some of the players included and some of the ones left out. But I think I should wait until the end of the Series to bring that up; not that I know what happens but I don't see how Charlie, Kai (etc) can answer without providing a spoiler.
Don't know who you're thinking of in particular, Martin, but the invitees (at least originally) were chosen before the series was completed, and I believe any inclusions and exclusions are more down to who couldn't make the dates (which have changed a few times now) or who didn't wish to take part, rather than anything else (with the possible exception of Mr Hansford). I think that sentence avoids any spoilers, but I'm sure Gev will spot one somewhere!
I think there have been some suspicions that maybe one or two have been selected over others simply for being female.

I think there have been some suspicions that you are a wonderful human being.

Damian E · Post by **Damian E** » Sat Nov 22, 2008 9:34 pm

Martin Gardner wrote:
Martin Gardner wrote:A little bit surprised at some of the players included and some of the ones left out. But I think I should wait until the end of the Series to bring that up; not that I know what happens but I don't see how Charlie, Kai (etc) can answer without providing a spoiler.
Sort of hard to talk about this when almost all of the people involved are members of the forum, I suppose I'm surprised at Debbi Flack and Peter Davies being included as they weren't Octochamps and Peter got knocked out at the semi-final stage. As for Debbi, Martin Bishop seems a more obvious choice; it's not often you get an Octochamps averaging 100 points a game that doesn't make the CofC! This perhaps relates to the fact that Martin gets knocked out in the first round and Debbi makes it all the way to the final (this is guessing I have no knowledge of it)l; I'm certainly not having a go at Debbi, I'm just saying that she's won fewer games and has a lower average score, which is statistically true. You wouldn't leave out Paul Gallen to include Rita Willmott.

As pointed out, quite a lot of people have declined invitations, almost of all of them are Octochamps so that might explain the presence of non-Octochamps, but I feel a bit disappointed for Martin Bishop who's averaging something like 101 points per game.

Bye.

tonywarren · Post by **tonywarren** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 12:08 am

Charlie Reams wrote:The CoC draw has had a few changes so I thought I'd start a new topic. The confirmed lineup is:

At least 12 of the 16 players are members of this forum! Filming is 7 - 9 December (Sunday to Tuesday.) The updated game table is on the wiki, if you prefer to digest things in that format.

Anyone else likely to be travelling up on the Saturday? If so, see you in the bar Saturday night.

David O'Donnell · Post by **David O'Donnell** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 9:31 am

Yes, Tony. Don't think I could face an early start, coupled with a lengthy trip, as good preparation for facing James Hurrell. I tell you what I'll promise not to do any Irish dancing if you promise not to do any Morris dancing

.

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:31 am

tonywarren wrote:Anyone else likely to be travelling up on the Saturday? If so, see you in the bar Saturday night.

Yup. I won't be getting drunk until I'm knocked out of the competition though...

Howard Somerset · Post by **Howard Somerset** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:39 am

Interesting to see the revised selection of players. Well done Debbi for making the list! And bad luck Martin - hope the first week at your new job goes well. Tough draw, though, Debbi. At least with the order of the games, you'll be certain of making the final nine.

David O'Donnell · Post by **David O'Donnell** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 10:56 am

Jon Corby wrote:
tonywarren wrote:Anyone else likely to be travelling up on the Saturday? If so, see you in the bar Saturday night.
Yup. I won't be getting drunk until I'm knocked out of the competition though...

You'll have one to pass yourself

.

James Hurrell · Post by **James Hurrell** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 1:38 pm

tonywarren wrote:
Charlie Reams wrote:The CoC draw has had a few changes so I thought I'd start a new topic. The confirmed lineup is:

At least 12 of the 16 players are members of this forum! Filming is 7 - 9 December (Sunday to Tuesday.) The updated game table is on the wiki, if you prefer to digest things in that format.
Anyone else likely to be travelling up on the Saturday? If so, see you in the bar Saturday night.

I am likely to be around at some point on Saturday evening. I am looking at going to watch my beloved Plymouth Argyle away at Doncaster in the afternoon on the way up. Seemed like too good an opportunity to miss.

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 1:40 pm

Will be there to watch all the Monday games so if you see me please say hi. Look forward to some exciting stuff, especially the new hosts and the first 2 semi finals

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 2:11 pm

James Hurrell wrote:I am looking at going to watch my beloved Plymouth Argyle away at Doncaster in the afternoon on the way up.

Good luck for tomorrow night btw

tonywarren · Post by **tonywarren** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 6:48 pm

David O'Donnell wrote:Yes, Tony. Don't think I could face an early start, coupled with a lengthy trip, as good preparation for facing James Hurrell. I tell you what I'll promise not to do any Irish dancing if you promise not to do any Morris dancing .

Okay. I'll leave the mandolin at home. Might bring the guitar though...

David O'Donnell · Post by **David O'Donnell** » Mon Nov 24, 2008 6:54 pm

tonywarren wrote:
David O'Donnell wrote:Yes, Tony. Don't think I could face an early start, coupled with a lengthy trip, as good preparation for facing James Hurrell. I tell you what I'll promise not to do any Irish dancing if you promise not to do any Morris dancing .
Okay. I'll leave the mandolin at home. Might bring the guitar though...

I hope you're not kidding since I also play a little and that sounds like fun.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 12:52 pm

Charlie Reams wrote:The CoC draw has had a few changes so I thought I'd start a new topic. The confirmed lineup is:

David O'Donnell vs James Hurrell
Junaid Mubeen vs Tony Warren
Richard Brittain vs Jon Corby
Richard Priest vs Kai Laddiman
Nick Wainwright vs Steve Baines
Anita Freeland vs Jonathan Coles
Charlie Reams vs Peter Davies
Steven Briers vs Debbi Flack

At least 12 of the 16 players are members of this forum! Filming is 7 - 9 December (Sunday to Tuesday.) The updated game table is on the wiki, if you prefer to digest things in that format.

I will be in the audience on the Sunday afternoon session, so will probably see the first 3 games. Please do come and say hi if I haven't said hi already. I look forward to meeting some of you.

Ben Wilson · Post by **Ben Wilson** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 1:29 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:
Charlie Reams wrote:The CoC draw has had a few changes so I thought I'd start a new topic. The confirmed lineup is:

David O'Donnell vs James Hurrell
Junaid Mubeen vs Tony Warren
Richard Brittain vs Jon Corby
Richard Priest vs Kai Laddiman
Nick Wainwright vs Steve Baines
Anita Freeland vs Jonathan Coles
Charlie Reams vs Peter Davies
Steven Briers vs Debbi Flack

At least 12 of the 16 players are members of this forum! Filming is 7 - 9 December (Sunday to Tuesday.) The updated game table is on the wiki, if you prefer to digest things in that format.

I will be in the audience on the Sunday afternoon session, so will probably see the first 3 games. Please do come and say hi if I haven't said hi already. I look forward to meeting some of you.

And I'll be the short bald one probably sat next to Kirk so same applies here.

David O'Donnell · Post by **David O'Donnell** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 2:03 pm

Nothing wrong with being short and bald!

Ben Wilson · Post by **Ben Wilson** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 2:13 pm

David O'Donnell wrote:Nothing wrong with being short and bald!

D'oh, knew I'd forgotten something- I'll be the short bald one with glasses.

tonywarren · Post by **tonywarren** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 6:05 pm

David O'Donnell wrote:
tonywarren wrote:
David O'Donnell wrote:Yes, Tony. Don't think I could face an early start, coupled with a lengthy trip, as good preparation for facing James Hurrell. I tell you what I'll promise not to do any Irish dancing if you promise not to do any Morris dancing .
Okay. I'll leave the mandolin at home. Might bring the guitar though...
I hope you're not kidding since I also play a little and that sounds like fun.

If your up for a bit of a play I'll definitely bring it!
Maybe we'll be able to put a Countdown band together?

Jon Corby · Post by **Jon Corby** » Tue Nov 25, 2008 7:56 pm

tonywarren wrote:Maybe we'll be able to put a Countdown band together?

Which bar does everyone else want to meet in?

tonywarren · Post by **tonywarren** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 10:12 am

Jon Corby wrote:
tonywarren wrote:Maybe we'll be able to put a Countdown band together?
Which bar does everyone else want to meet in?

Just like Jehovah's witnesses and Mormons, we'll find you wherever you are!

Kai Laddiman · Post by **Kai Laddiman** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 10:42 am

Jon Corby wrote:
tonywarren wrote:Anyone else likely to be travelling up on the Saturday? If so, see you in the bar Saturday night.
Yup. I won't be getting drunk until I'm knocked out of the competition though...

Can you really go sober for that long?

Kai Laddiman · Post by **Kai Laddiman** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 10:43 am

tonywarren wrote:Maybe we'll be able to put a Countdown band together?

Can I bring my double bass?

tonywarren · Post by **tonywarren** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 11:31 am

Kai Laddiman wrote:
Can I bring my double bass?

When I was thirteen I used to take a double bass into London on the tube. If you've got it - go for it!

Kate Horton · Post by **Kate Horton** » Wed Nov 26, 2008 12:30 pm

DebbiF wrote:I know I'm probably only there because others couldn't make it (and yes, maybe because I'm female), but nevertheless I'm just going to go and enjoy myself and do my best.

Good for you Debbi - that's the kind of attitude we want on the show. x

Howard Somerset · Post by **Howard Somerset** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 5:26 pm

Before you all disappear off to Leeds for the COC, I want to wish all of you well. Enjoy the new presenters, enjoy the new set, and most of all, enjoy your games. I know that most of you can't get the results that you would really like, but I hope that you all play to the best of your abilities at all times.

I look forward to viewing the outcome in January, and possibly to hearing a little about Jeff, Rachel and the new set before then.

David O'Donnell · Post by **David O'Donnell** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 5:30 pm

Howard Somerset wrote:Before you all disappear off to Leeds for the COC, I want to wish all of you well. Enjoy the new presenters, enjoy the new set, and most of all, enjoy your games. I know that most of you can't get the results that you would really like, but I hope that you all play to the best of your abilities at all times.

I look forward to viewing the outcome in January, and possibly to hearing a little about Jeff, Rachel and the new set before then.

Thanks Howard, just the right type of message to read when the nerves are starting to play up.

Charlie Reams · Post by **Charlie Reams** » Wed Dec 03, 2008 5:30 pm

Howard Somerset wrote:Before you all disappear off to Leeds for the COC, I want to wish all of you well. Enjoy the new presenters, enjoy the new set, and most of all, enjoy your games. I know that most of you can't get the results that you would really like, but I hope that you all play to the best of your abilities at all times.

I look forward to viewing the outcome in January, and possibly to hearing a little about Jeff, Rachel and the new set before then.

Appreciated

tonywarren · Post by **tonywarren** » Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:11 pm

Howard Somerset wrote:Before you all disappear off to Leeds for the COC, I want to wish all of you well. Enjoy the new presenters, enjoy the new set, and most of all, enjoy your games. I know that most of you can't get the results that you would really like, but I hope that you all play to the best of your abilities at all times.

I look forward to viewing the outcome in January, and possibly to hearing a little about Jeff, Rachel and the new set before then.

I third the thanks - but are thirding and thirded allowed.

Lee Simmonds · Post by **Lee Simmonds** » Fri Dec 05, 2008 4:24 pm

Just to wish all the forumites the best of luck in the CoC

Really looking forward to seeing it all unfold.

James Hurrell · Post by **James Hurrell** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 9:26 am

Many thanks. Really quite exctied now!!!!! 3 hours to go...

Lara Searle · Post by **Lara Searle** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 10:32 am

Good luck to everyone!

Craig Beevers · Post by **Craig Beevers** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 4:51 pm

Hope everyone (contestants, presenters etc.) gives a good account of themselves.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 1:19 am

I must say I had a fabulous day today. Thanks to everyone who always make trips to the studios great fun. It was good to meet some new faces who I've apterousised with recently and it was good to see the old faces again. It was also nice to bump into Kate Horton. I'm so excited about the new year and the prospect the future holds re: Countdown.

Ben Wilson · Post by **Ben Wilson** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 8:33 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:I must say I had a fabulous day today. Thanks to everyone who always make trips to the studios great fun. It was good to meet some new faces who I've apterousised with recently and it was good to see the old faces again. It was also nice to bump into Kate Horton. I'm so excited about the new year and the prospect the future holds re: Countdown.

Seconded.

Matthew Green · Post by **Matthew Green** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 11:10 pm

Thirded.

Dinos Sfyris · Post by **Dinos Sfyris** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 11:17 am

Absolutely brilliant. Well done to all involved. Cant wait to see the conclusion on TV.

Harry Whitehouse · Post by **Harry Whitehouse** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 11:51 am

And I made it on Monday. What an brilliant run of games at the end of the afternoon.

Interesting that the new set isolates the competitors so much from Jeff/DC that they have to pass "same here" slips to each other for checking.

Kirk Bevins · Post by **Kirk Bevins** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 12:03 pm

harry wrote:And I made it on Monday. What an brilliant run of games at the end of the afternoon.

Interesting that the new set isolates the competitors so much from Jeff/DC that they have to pass "same here" slips to each other for checking.

It's quite good actually because under the old format DC/Des would spend quite a while trying to decipher numbers solutions and even Susie had to be drafted in to check. From what I witnessed, the contestants checked each other's answers doubly quick.

Harry Whitehouse · Post by **Harry Whitehouse** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 7:01 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:
harry wrote:And I made it on Monday. What an brilliant run of games at the end of the afternoon.

Interesting that the new set isolates the competitors so much from Jeff/DC that they have to pass "same here" slips to each other for checking.
It's quite good actually because under the old format DC/Des would spend quite a while trying to decipher numbers solutions and even Susie had to be drafted in to check. From what I witnessed, the contestants checked each other's answers doubly quick.

...and with some welcome flashes of humour.

Craig Beevers · Post by **Craig Beevers** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 4:01 pm

Kirk Bevins wrote:
harry wrote:And I made it on Monday. What an brilliant run of games at the end of the afternoon.

Interesting that the new set isolates the competitors so much from Jeff/DC that they have to pass "same here" slips to each other for checking.
It's quite good actually because under the old format DC/Des would spend quite a while trying to decipher numbers solutions and even Susie had to be drafted in to check. From what I witnessed, the contestants checked each other's answers doubly quick.

Doing it that way would have been so much fun with Jeffrey...