Encyclopedic envoys: Jim Walker, Dave Williams and Dave Fremaux with Phil Whelan

The gripping April 27 final came after the Police team outdid trivia buffs from eight professions in the two month knock-out competition.

Show host Phil Whelan was more than impressed with the police effort saying: "They were a revelation, and quite frankly brought a breath of fresh air to the programme. I was most impressed with their knowledge of current affairs and Hong Kong. They are obviously highly intelligent and very well-read. They have set a very high standard and will be a tough act to follow for next year's contestants."

The team was comprised of Senior Inspectors David Williams (Organised Crime and Triad Bureau) and David Fremaux (Regional Crime Unit Kowloon West), and Inspectors Robbie McRobbie (Police Officers' Club Assistant Manager) and Jim Walker (Planning and Development Branch).

Of course there was a faithful following of supporters as well, with more than 30 officers turning up for the final which was recorded at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Central. "We were really surprised to win it" said team captain Dave Williams. "We only entered the competition as Dave (Fremaux) and I were trying to find a way to get involved in the Healthy Lifestyle campaign without affecting our normal duty commitments. I think the whole thing turned out to be a great community relations exercise. Once each quiz was over, we got to meet people from a variety of professions and exchanged views on several hot topics."

Dave Fremaux said: "I know a lot of officers are doing extra study courses but to be frank, some of us are in posts which really don't allow that sort of flexibility. People like Dave (Williams) and I have to make the most of any free time we get. These quizzes have helped us to do that in a constructive way, testing our knowledge and nerve against other professionals. There is a tremendous sense of satisfaction to be obtained, particularly when you look at some of the teams we had to beat."

The crack competition included veterinarians, journalists and insurance experts who succumbed in the final play-off.

Fremaux added: "My only disappointment was the legal profession and the ICAC weren't able to raise teams. It would certainly have been fun to get one over on them as well!"

Jim and Robbie also played a big part in the team's progress to victory, the latter showing the true value of an Oxford education by answering three questions correctly in one show. Good one, Rob!

Meanwhile Jim, who read law at Wolverhampton Polytechnic before joining the Force, was particularly good in the karaoke rounds.

He was a late replacement for Robbie in the latter rounds but soon proved his value to the team.

"It was very nerve racking up there in front of a live audience, but the two Daves are very experienced at this type of thing and they gave me a lot of support," Jim said. And such was the dominance of the police team none of their opponents could come within 10 points of them.

To follow up their success, the team is very interested in running a Force-wide quiz with different formations competing. Anyone interested in participating can contact Dave Fremaux on 2761-2344.

Come on, exercise your mind as well as your body!





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