Countdown Marathon - Thursday 28 February/Friday 1 March '13

[James Robinson]

APOLOGIES IN ADVANCED FOR THE PROLONGED WAIT, BUT A PROMISE IS A PROMISE

People have done many daring feats over the years to raise money for Comic Relief.

We've had celebrities climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, we've had celebrities walk in a barren, arid desert for ages, we've had celebrities go white-water rafting down the Zambezi, we've had David Walliams swin the Channel, the Strait of Gibraltar and the length of the Thames, we've had Helen Skelton kayak down the Amazon, walk on a tightrope on top of Battersea Power Station, walk down to the South Pole (yes, I realise some of those were for the other fundraisers, but you get the idea. )

But, now we have something super amazing that will top them all. As this year is the 25th anniversary of the first Comic Relief telethon, the comedian Mark Watson decided to do a 25 hour long comedy gig at the Pleasance Theatre in Islington, while next door in a small room, 2 legends of Countdown decide that they will go and emulate that by doing a 25 HOUR GAME OF COUNTDOWN!!!!!

But, prepare yourselves as Mark Deeks and Innis Carson take on letters, exhaustion, numbers, Zarte, targets, Eddie Mair, conundrums, Rachel Riley and complete drowsiness all to raise money for Comic Relief.

So, here is a once-in-a-lifetime, 450 round recap. Enjoy.

(NOTE: Because of restraints to the amount of digits that can be put into one post, this will have to be spread out over 5 posts.)

So, the first post has all the rounds, followed by a detail of the first hour.

Countdown Marathon recap for Thursday 28 February and Friday 1 March 2013.

C1: Series 65 Semi-Finalist Mark Deeks. An Apteforumite and International Justice student at the University of Warwick, originally from Braughing, Hertfordshire.
C2: Series 61 Semi-Finalist Innis Carson. An Apteforumite and Chemistry student at Edinburgh University.
Host & DC: Zarte Siempre.
OT: Other words or solutions.

R001: N E G E L E T Z E
R002: Y X W T O I I T R
R003: R I M I M I M F I
R004: N N T T O O O R U
R005: 25, 5, 5, 4, 1, 9. Target: 257.
R006: R R T T O O O J D
R007: R E P A R E S R T
R008: T M M R A E E I F
R009: R E R I N A N N N
R010: 50, 25, 4, 7, 1, 8. Target: 159.
R011: S E T A R A D I B
R012: T T R R E A A N M
R013: S A W I V E V T L
R014: H G G T O A E Z L
R015: 75, 1, 1, 3, 6, 9. Target: 637.
R016: C C C S E O A N F
R017: S O S E S I L D I
R018: B J D S A A E P P
R019: Q A N E S E T M A
R020: 50, 75, 5, 5, 8, 3. Target: 618.
R021: K U L O D I B F H
R022: D G D G I E E N L
R023: P E W I X E Y T G
R024: Z D W T O E A N T
R025: 75, 5, 9, 2, 5, 1. Target: 526.
R026: N P D G A E A F S
R027: S E Q A Y E D W J
R028: N R F D E A A X V
R029: T I L E S A T U N
R030: 100, 25, 10, 5, 6, 4. Target: 420.
R031: T O K I M I C A P
R032: R R T L A O E U S
R033: N U S O T U N O I
R034: L H S D E E O C T
R035: 50, 5, 6, 1, 7, 5. Target: 375.
R036: B R M L E E U S R
R037: S O S I F O M U E
R038: H N R P I E A B T
R039: G A V E L I G R R
R040: 100, 75, 1, 4, 1, 5. Target: 881.
R041: G E M I D O B C N
R042: P R P F I E A N O
R043: P O B I T E R R E
R044: L T R G E I O C N
R045: 25, 1, 9, 9, 2, 3. Target: 467.
R046: L F M V E U I R D
R047: R O S E W E D I P
R048: Z T T N E I A F D
R049: H A T E M U G C T
R050: 75, 25, 8, 6, 8, 4. Target: 130.
R051: L E D E K A Q S V
R052: C Y W G A A E D B
R053: S A B E S U G D R
R054: N M N N O U O T E
R055: 50, 10, 2, 2, 1, 3. Target: 526.
R056: S N X S E O U T U
R057: S E H O T A L S S
R058: J N R L A A E R M
R059: N E R E L A M R E
R060: 75, 25, 3, 9, 6, 4. Target: 516.
R061: L E S U S E H D F
R062: D J B S E E A S G
R063: D U T U M A G C T
R064: V L D R E I O G I
R065: 75, 1, 5, 10, 1, 5. Target: 831.
R066: G N T T U E E N C
R067: D A R A T A L A E
R068: C B T Z A A A Y S
R069: W A F E X E M S T
R070: 100, 25, 8, 5, 3, 1. Target: 954.
R071: N A N O F I P N P
R072: R R S T A E O S V
R073: H E R A T O R B O
R074: P Q W D A E I K L
R075: 50, 7, 3, 1, 4, 4. Target: 835.
R076: P R S N A A E N M
R077: G E P A C I N N N
R078: P M F T I O A R S
R079: W I T U S E R G L
R080: 25, 50, 8, 10, 9, 9. Target: 479.
R081: W I B O V O T N O
R082: R L M R E E U S S
R083: L E R I M I R T I
R084: T N C D O I U A E
R085: 100, 50, 75, 25, 5, 5. Target: 946.
R086: L R D N A A E G H
R087: D E T A M E D O D
R088: J B S S I E A L F
R089: G E C E V I T X T
R090: 25, 50, 2, 10, 7, 2. Target: 509.
R091: Z O Y I S O T R R
R092: R S H K O A E L P
R093: F O N A M A S A E
R094: N R P Q E E U D U
R095: 25, 7, 10, 1, 7, 6. Target: 890.
R096: S M N F E E A J S
R097: V I R E D E R A P
R098: D B D X E A E R R
R099: T U S U Y A Z N N
R100: 50, 100, 9, 9, 3, 10. Target: 867.
R101: N A T A W A L G C
R102: D B T R I I U R I
R103: S A F O M O S I S
R104: N H G L U O U F D
R105: 25, 75, 8, 2, 50, 100. Target: 611.
R106: D B C G U O O W T
R107: N E S O R T I E S
R108: T N V T A E I A T
R109: N E M E P A P G A
R110: 75, 50, 8, 7, 4, 4. Target: 712.
R111: C L E E Q O R L T
R112: M S H R O U E L K
R113: S U T O R E C I N
R114: R D P R I E E R M
R115: 25, 100, 75, 3, 5, 5. Target: 858.
R116: S K L Q E U U L D
R117: L U G I C A S M A
R118: F N J V A I U N A
R119: D A B E C O G L T
R120: 100, 50, 6, 6, 5, 3. Target: 408.
R121: V O T I T U S U T
R122: R S S M O A E A F
R123: H A P E W A T N E
R124: H G T W E A O Y X
R125: 25, 5, 4, 7, 8, 4. Target: 692.
R126: R R S P A I E N M
R127: P A N E R E T R E
R128: D G F L A E O D N
R129: D I B O S E B N O
R130: 25, 75, 8, 5, 4, 7. Target: 413.
R131: S E T I C E N U T
R132: S R Z R E E I D P
R133: R O R O M O S N A
R134: J F M S A E I C P
R135: 100, 50, 75, 25, 1, 8. Target: 440.
R136: T T T V I O U O T
R137: N E V I R E S P N
R138: M R Y X I E I N T
R139: W A H U B E B C T
R140: 100, 25, 4, 5, 7, 4. Target: 659.
R141: L E D I G E F N C
R142: G B D L I E U D O
R143: G U L U L I K Q E
R144: S L D D O I U S U
R145: 75, 2, 7, 10, 6, 1. Target: 130.
R146: N T G D U O I H E
R147: P A F E M E P E N
R148: R S N R A I E T A
R149: T U W O S U L E L
R150: 50, 25, 8, 1, 9, 3. Target: 122.
R151: F I G E L E D B H
R152: Z R P W A U I N M
R153: R I Y E T E G B L
R154: D R R M E I I S N
R155: 50, 4, 7, 5, 4, 6. Target: 982.
R156: S D L D U I U N O
R157: S E N I P U F M S
R158: P N N G A I A Q C
R159: N E B A K E D R T
R160: 100, 75, 6, 6, 2, 3. Target: 569.
R161: T E T E V O V T R
R162: D T R X O O O H G
R163: R O N E P I T U S
R164: R S J F O U O M I
R165: 100, 4, 3, 2, 6, 6. Target: 522.
R166: S C C T E I A S N
R167: M E R A R A R B E
R168: N N N S E A A R A
R169: T A V I T E T V S
R170: 25, 100, 10, 8, 7, 1. Target: 928.
R171: T E T I P E R D T
R172: D Z S S I I E P E
R173: N E R E N E M G D
R174: S D M G A A A B U
R175: 50, 8, 10, 3, 1, 4. Target: 846.
R176: L S C Q O O E A E
R177: N I G O C U N P F
R178: S W B H O O O T S
R179: R O L E F U H L L
R180: 50, 100, 9, 7, 2, 6. Target: 243.
R181: T O C I D U L I I
R182: F G D T E E I X Y
R183: K O N O M A J S R
R184: M C P N O O E D G
R185: 50, 1, 2, 3, 6, 8. Target: 560.
R186: T H S T A E E R T
R187: L E M I C A Q N N
R188: R B R R A E O T Y
R189: T A W O B U N S L
R190: 25, 9, 7, 4, 5, 10. Target: 820.
R191: D O L A D U Z S S
R192: P D S H U O A N E
R193: R A W E R I X R I
R194: G M D T I I E T A
R195: 25, 9, 1, 7, 3, 3. Target: 200.
R196: V T S V A I A T E
R197: S E N I G U J S R
R198: D L F L I A O F E
R199: P E N O C E K N M
R200: 50, 25, 4, 3, 5, 10. Target: 183.
R201: F O G O S O R E P
R202: F K N M A O O C E
R203: S E Z I N U P S G
R204: N T W R O E A R R
R205: 50, 25, 75, 100, 9, 7. Target: 918.
R206: X V T T O I U T J
R207: R E S A R A R T P
R208: D D S L I E E N I
R209: B A R U D E G C A
R210: 100, 75, 9, 7, 2, 5. Target: 263.
R211: B E R I G I Y L M
R212: C M D N A E I O O
R213: Q A N I T A W T R
R214: V S S S A U E L I
R215: 25, 75, 50, 100, 6, 6. Target: 487.
R216: G H S T U I E N P
R217: F A L A D O L U E
R218: F D S H E E E T O
R219: P E N O M O R I U
R220: 75, 50, 5, 6, 9, 2. Target: 580.
R221: D O L U H E S T E
R222: P N L R E I E P R
R223: R E N E L I V M E
R224: Y S D D O I O R A
R225: 100, 7, 7, 1, 10, 8. Target: 662.
R226: S T D M O A E C S
R227: Q O N A T A T V N
R228: P R T D A A O F H
R229: G I T E T E R S N
R230: 100, 25, 2, 8, 10, 4. Target: 985.
R231: M I C O K N E W S
R232: W T X S U A A S E
R233: C A B A R E F L L
R234: G D G B U I O R O
R235: 50, 4, 9, 3, 9, 3. Target: 918.
R236: N T J S A A O Z P
R237: G E F I M O N R B
R238: K N C M A E O D I
R239: T E M A C O G O S
R240: 100, 50, 4, 3, 9, 6. Target: 185.
R241: P I N E T O V E J
R242: T S N D E A A Y D
R243: D A R A R A L E G
R244: D N S C E I O A E
R245: 100, 5, 5, 7, 2, 1. Target: 588.
R246: R S L H E U U S R
R247: S O Q O F U G N E
R248: R S G T O I E T P
R249: X E V I B I L L O
R250: 100, 25, 10, 7, 6, 1. Target: 907.
R251: F E S E R I Z E N
R252: T S M B U O E R R
R253: N U M A L I T B A
R254: D P T W A U E W T
R255: 100, 50, 75, 25, 5, 1. Target: 508.
R256: P R H F E A I N R
R257: T A R E G I D D S
R258: C P D G U O I R E
R259: R I L U D O N U I
R260: 50, 75, 3, 2, 7, 3. Target: 473.
R261: X E V E B I N W W
R262: T N S R E O E N I
R263: S A T A Y A N T I
R264: T P T P A U U O R
R265: 75, 4, 10, 7, 6, 9. Target: 168.
R266: M T S H E E O M U
R267: L O B O Z I L L N
R268: F R P R I E E N D
R269: J I B O G A M T C
R270: 50, 25, 1, 3, 7, 3. Target: 219.
R271: F E G U N E S E R
R272: L H S R E E U T S
R273: V E Q E K A M D C
R274: S N P D I E O S U
R275: 100, 2, 9, 1, 5, 8. Target: 871.
R276: P L Z L U I O L N
R277: S I T A V I P R U
R278: C F T R I I O T I
R279: S A S A H E B L S
R280: 75, 10, 10, 6, 9, 25. Target: 370.
R281: D E F O R A N G S
R282: N B J H E O E R T
R283: T E G A Y E T N R
R284: C D M M E I E R M
R285: 100, 75, 50, 25, 10, 3. Target: 541.
R286: R C G M U O E T T
R287: R A G A K E L U R
R288: S F B V I I E N A
R289: D E S O W A W N D
R290: 75, 100, 10, 3, 4, 5. Target: 381.
R291: T O X U P O D Q N
R292: T R B T A A E F E
R293: S I V I T A P B I
R294: Y H N J E E A N S
R295: 50, 8, 4, 3, 10, 5. Target: 147.
R296: Z N V G E E E R O
R297: L I B U S I G K S
R298: W D R T E E E R I
R299: R I P O L I L W T
R300: 75, 50, 2, 6, 7, 8. Target: 544.
R301: T U N E R A G A I
R302: T D F S A O O R M
R303: R U Q E N O D T U
R304: X P L N U I O D P
R305: 100, 75, 50, 25, 4, 10. Target: 446.
R306: S C D M U E O M O
R307: C O S E D I M M T
R308: S S H C E U I C A
R309: P I T O P U D M I
R310: 100, 75, 9, 3, 4, 6. Target: 279.
R311: L I B O S U H E R
R312: F X R T O U O S A
R313: F O W E R E D Q G
R314: D T S C A A A L E
R315: 100, 50, 75, 25, 10, 3. Target: 678.
R316: S J W T O E A R L
R317: B E S E K O N L G
R318: H V G R O U I N O
R319: N U S I T E T F N
R320: 25, 100, 3, 10, 3, 9. Target: 643.
R321: C O S E N I Z T O
R322: S C B S I E E R R
R323: N E R E D E N P R
R324: V P N D A I I T E
R325: 9, 10, 3, 3, 7, 1. Target: 854.
R326: L Y G T I I U M D
R327: M E M E P I M O D
R328: P T N P O I E R E
R329: B A S O K A G A A
R330: 100, 25, 5, 4, 2, 8. Target: 775.
R331: D I M A P E D M V
R332: L G T H E A A R E
R333: R U R E R U W A S
R334: B L T D A E E J R
R335: 75, 25, 100, 10, 7, 2. Target: 728.
R336: Z W R F I U I S T
R337: D O G E B O T S C
R338: S T N T U I E E I
R339: N E T O S E S F I
R340: 100, 25, 75, 2, 8, 7. Target: 806.
R341: V O N E G I H S Y
R342: D N P M U O U M I
R343: L O C E L O S D R
R344: N C N X E A O R E
R345: 75, 25, 50, 1, 2, 4. Target: 623.
R346: N K P N E A O M D
R347: T I P A R S E I F
R348: B H T I U U E S S
R349: V O G E F I X S D
R350: 100, 25, 75, 9, 1, 2. Target: 529.
R351: R U S U M A T Z P
R352: N L C L E E I N J
R353: S O D I C A B M W
R354: C R D T A I U P A
R355: 75, 100, 9, 2, 8, 25. Target: 658.
R356: R N D T E E E N I
R357: N O G E M O L W S
R358: L Q N T A O E D L
R359: G A F E H O B R R
R360: 75, 25, 1, 3, 7, 9. Target: 810.
R361: R A R U T E G S O
R362: S V T Y A E O T P
R363: N E M A N A D K T
R364: R R D L U O O L E
R365: 100, 25, 75, 7, 3, 1. Target: 595.
R366: C R D T E A U P B
R367: C A D U M U F V G
R368: L W N C E O E J N
R369: S O M E T O Y P O
R370: 75, 25, 9, 6, 2, 8. Target: 179.
R371: T E T E R O L L A
R372: P T K A E I D N E
R373: M A N I D E S X Z
R374: N N R S E E I N O
R375: 50, 75, 25, 3, 3, 7. Target: 898.
R376: B M G T A O E D F
R377: H I N E T E Q W S
R378: R S V R O I I A R
R379: P I T A S E T S H
R380: 50, 25, 1, 1, 10, 8. Target: 468.
R381: S O F A R O S G A
R382: R H F G I I O Q Z
R383: R E M E V A R E O
R384: R B R N E U O L B
R385: 75, 100, 25, 10, 7, 7. Target: 864.
R386: S D T S E A O S W
R387: H U T I T O N J C
R388: C T R T A O I L U
R389: S E N O K U L T D
R390: 100, 25, 4, 10, 7, 7. Target: 672.
R391: N E G A X E P S R
R392: M D S R I U U S T
R393: W U D A L E L F A
R394: G W N V A O U O I
R395: 75, 100, 25, 3, 10, 8. Target: 571.
R396: M C T P I I E D E
R397: M I R A P I S B N
R398: S P F D E O A N Y
R399: N E L I D I B E G
R400: 100, 8, 1, 1, 3, 25. Target: 349.
R401: S A N E Q U W D N
R402: G F T W E E O L F
R403: R O R A G E T S I
R404: S T S L I O O E N
R405: 50, 100, 25, 2, 10, 9. Target: 807.
R406: L C T T O A I G S
R407: P A V A N E A N Q
R408: R R R N U I I U S
R409: D A B O B E C N E
R410: 100, 25, 3, 7, 7, 9. Target: 861.
R411: S E X U M O R E L
R412: J C H M U I O Z O
R413: T A P I T I V A E
R414: H D D S I E E T A
R415: 75, 100, 50, 10, 3, 3. Target: 301.
R416: R M R M E E E R T
R417: K A S A P A D A E
R418: S W T M I O O M E
R419: R I R A S O F R E
R420: 50, 9, 8, 3, 4, 25. Target: 352.
R421: S U L A R A D E T
R422: P N S C I I A K S
R423: S E G E L E T I M
R424: M S C T O U E S A
R425: 75, 25, 2, 5, 1, 100. Target: 780.
R426: N H G F I O U N R
R427: W A P A C E L F E
R428: Z G J D O I O L B
R429: L I G E R U R V Y
R430: 75, 50, 7, 1, 6, 9. Target: 640.
R431: P O R A T E H A I
R432: S N V N O A U Q U
R433: R E T I T I D D X
R434: T P T N E A E N I
R435: 25, 50, 9, 2, 1, 100. Target: 773.
R436: B B D D E E I N T
R437: T O G I L U M U R
R438: L N H N I E O C O
R439: M E Z U L I N E J
R440: 75, 6, 6, 7, 5, 50. Target: 946.
R441: L E Y O B A D B B
R442: D T N R E E E R S
R443: R E T O X A Q T P
R444: W R V S U E I R O
R445: 50, 2, 9, 3, 9, 1. Target: 730.
R446: R G P D I A O C D
R447: R U D I T A D A O
R448: G F T S E E O W H
R449: 25, 3, 9, 1, 2, 7. Target: 327.
R450: W E R E L A P S E (conundrum)


And now a brief interlude before our main feature:

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Enjoy the show.

DAY 1: Thursday 28th February
HOUR 1: 11:00pm - 12 midnight

Round 1: 11:04pm: N E G E L E T Z E

C1: GENTEEL (7)
C2: GENTEEL (7)
Score: 7–7 (max 7)

A darrenic start. Let's hope this can carry on for many rounds, minutes, hours..........................

Round 2: 11:06pm: Y X W T O I I T R

C1: WITTY (5)
C2: WITTY (5)
DC: TORII (5)
Score: 12–12 (max 12)

Round 3: 11:09pm: R I M I M I M F I

C1: FIRM (4)
C2: FIRM (4)
Score: 16–16 (max 16)

Crikey!! That's the only 4 there

Round 4: 11:14pm: N N T T O O O R U

C1: TROUT (5)
C2: TROUT (5)
DC: UNROOT (6)
Score: 21–21 (max 22)

Well, that ends our faint hopes of a double or single max game.

Round 5: 11:16pm: 25, 5, 5, 4, 1, 9. Target: 257.

C1: 257. (10)
C2: 257. (10)
One Way: ((25 + 4) x 9) - (5 - 1) (10)
Score: 31–31 (max 32)

Obviously, I have no idea how our challengers solved these numbers games, so I've put some methods on that would be possible.

Round 6: 11:18pm: R R T T O O O J D

C1: ROTOR (5)
C2: ROTOR (5)
Score: 36–36 (max 37)

Round 7: 11:21pm: R E P A R E S R T

C1: REPEATS (7)
C2: REPEATS (7)
DC: PARTERRES (18)
Score: 43–43 (max 55)

NINE ALERT!!! NINE ALERT!!! And it's a 9 they've missed!!! Although, in fairness, it's not even been pencilled yet!!!

A PARTERRE is a formal garden constructed on a level surface, consisting of planting beds arranged to form a pleasing, usually symmetrical pattern, with gravel paths laid between.

Round 8: 11:23pm: T M M R A E E I F

C1: MEATIER (7)
C2: AMMETER (7)
DC: EMIRATE (7) MARMITE (7) METAMER (7)
Score: 50–50 (max 62)

Round 9: 11:25pm: R E R I N A N N N

C1: INANE (5)
C2: INNER (5)
DC: RENNIN (6)
Score: 55–55 (max 68)

Round 10: 11:27pm: 50, 25, 4, 7, 1, 8. Target: 159.

C1: 159. (10)
C2: 159. (10)
One Way: ((7 - 4) x 50) + 8 + 1 (10)
Score: 65–65 (max 78)

Round 11: 11:29pm: S E T A R A D I B

C1: RADIATES (8)
C2: TRIBADES (8)
Score: 73–73 (max 86)

Round 12: 11:31pm: T T R R E A A N M

C1: NARRATE (7)
C2: NARRATE (7)
DC: TARTARE (7)
Score: 80–80 (max 93)

Round 13: 11:33pm: S A W I V E V T L

C1: WAVIEST (7)
C2: WAVIEST (7)
Score: 87-87 (max 100)

Round 14: 11:35pm: H G G T O A E Z L

C1: ZEALOT (6)
C2: HAGGLE (6)
DC: GELATO (6) HOGGET (6) LEGATO (6) LOATHE (6) TOGGLE (6)
Score: 93–93 (max 106)

Round 15: 11:38pm: 75, 1, 1, 3, 6, 9. Target: 637.

C1: 637. (10)
C2: 637. (10)
One Way: ((75 + 6 - 1) x (9 - 1)) - 3 (10)
Score: 103–103 (max 116)

Round 16: 11:40pm: C C C S E O A N F

C1: CANOES (6)
C2: CANOES (6)
DC: OCEANS (6) SCONCE (6)
Score: 109–109 (max 122)

Round 17: 11:42pm: S O S E S I L D I

C1: SOLIDS (6)
C2: IDOLISES (8)
Score: 109–117 (max 130)

AND THERE'S THE FIRST LEAD!!!!!! It takes 17 rounds, but we have some daylight between the scores, and it's Innis who we should IDOLISE now.

Round 18: 11:44pm: B J D S A A E P P

C1: SAPPED (6)
C2: SAPPED (6)
DC: ABASED (6) ESPADA (6) PAPADS (6)
Score: 115–123 (max 136)

Round 19: 11:46pm: Q A N E S E T M A

C1: enematas
C2: MANATEES (8)
DC: EMANATES (8)
Score: 115–131 (max 144)

Ouchy!! Mark won't like messing that up slightly!!!

Round 20: 11:49pm: 50, 75, 5, 5, 8, 3. Target: 618.

C1: 618. (10)
C2: 618. (10)
One Way: (75 x 8) + (50 / 5) + 5 + 3 (10)
Score: 125–141 (max 154)

Round 21: 11:50pm: K U L O D I B F H

C1: BUILD (5)
C2: BUILD (5)
DC: BIFOLD (6)
Score: 130–146 (max 160)

Round 22: 11:52pm: D G D G I E E N L

C1: GELDING (7)
C2: GELDING (7)
DC: DEEDING (7) DEIGNED (7) DELEING (7) NIGGLED (7)
Score: 137–153 (max 167)

Round 23: 11:55pm: P E W I X E Y T G

C1: PEEWIT (6)
C2: WEEPY (5)
Score: 143–153 (max 173)

And Mark has now got one up on Innis for the first time in this marathon. The gap is down to 10 points now.

Round 24: 11:58pm: Z D W T O E A N T

C1: NOTATED (7)
C2: NOTATED (7)
Score: 150–160 (max 180)

That's 1 hour down, 24 to go.

PART 2 BELOW

[James Robinson]

So, it's now onto Part 2, and as the bells of the Palace of Westminster ring 12 times, the night shift is now in full swing.

Here we go.

DAY 2: Friday 1st March
HOUR 2: 12 midnight - 1:00am

Round 25: 12:00am: 75, 5, 9, 2, 5, 1. Target: 526.

C1: 526. (10)
C2: 526. (10)
One Way: ((5 + 2) x 75) + 1 (10)
Score: 160–170 (max 190)

Round 26: 12:01am: N P D G A E A F S

C1: DEFANGS (7)
C2: AGENDAS (7)
Score: 167–177 (max 197)

Round 27: 12:03am: S E Q A Y E D W J

C1: DEEJAYS (7)
C2: DEEJAYS (7)
Score: 174–184 (max 204)

Round 28: 12:04am: N R F D E A A X V

C1: VERANDA (7)
C2: VERANDA (7)
Score: 181–191 (max 211)

Round 29: 12:06am: T I L E S A T U N

C1: INSULATE (8)
C2: INSULATE (8)
DC: LUTANIST (8) LUTENIST (8)
Score: 189–199 (max 219)

Round 30: 12:08am: 100, 25, 10, 5, 6, 4. Target: 420.

C1: 420. (10)
C2: 420. (10)
One Way: (4 x 100) + 25 - 5 (10)
Score: 199–209 (max 229)

Round 31: 12:09am: T O K I M I C A P

C1: APOMICT (7)
C2: APOMICT (7)
Score: 206–216 (max 236)

Round 32: 12:11am: R R T L A O E U S

C1: REALTORS (8)
C2: REALTORS (8)
DC: RELATORS (8)
Score: 214–224 (max 244)

Round 33: 12:13am: N U S O T U N O I

C1: NOTIONS (7)
C2: NOTIONS (7)
DC: NONSUIT (7)
Score: 221–231 (max 251)

10 rounds of perfection in a row from our gladiators.

Round 34: 12:17am: L H S D E E O C T

C1: declothes
C2: declothes
DC: CLOSETED (8)
Score: 221–231 (max 259)

Definitely a more than reasonable punt from the players, but it's the first double blank of the marathon, and probably not the last either.............

Round 35: 12:19am: 50, 5, 6, 1, 7, 5. Target: 375.

C1: 375. (10)
C2: 375. (10)
One Way: (50 x 7) + (5 x 5) (10)
Score: 231–241 (max 269)

Round 36: 12:20am: B R M L E E U S R

C1: SLUMBERER (18)
C2: SLUMBERER (18)
DC: LUMBERERS (18)
Score: 249–259 (max 287)

NOW THAT'S MORE LIKE IT!!!! And with Rachel Riley promising £5 for every 9 that's found, let's hope their 9-vision goggles are firmly on.

Round 37: 12:22am: S O S I F O M U E

C1: MISUSE (6)
C2: MOUSSE (6)
DC: MOSSIE (6) MOUSES (6) OSMOSE (6)
Score: 255–265 (max 293)

Round 38: 12:24am: H N R P I E A B T

C1: PERIANTH (8)
C2: PERIANTH (8)
Score: 263–273 (max 301)

Round 39: 12:27am: G A V E L I G R R

C1: RAGGIER (7)
C2: gargler
Score: 270–273 (max 308)

You can't be a gargler!!?? What's the world coming to?

Round 40: 12:28am: 100, 75, 1, 4, 1, 5. Target: 881.

C1: 881. (10)
C2: 881. (10)
One Way: ((100 + 75) x 5) + 4 + 1 + 1 (10)
Score: 280–283 (max 318)

Round 41: 12:30am: G E M I D O B C N

C1: COMBINED (8)
C2: COMBINED (8)
DC: BECOMING (8)
Score: 288–291 (max 326)

Round 42: 12:32am: P R P F I E A N O

C1: PINAFORE (8)
C2: PINAFORE (8)
Score: 296–299 (max 334)

Round 43: 12:34am: P O B I T E R R E

C1: PORTIERE (8)
C2: PORTIERE (8)
Score: 304–307 (max 342)

Round 44: 12:36am: L T R G E I O C N

C1: GERONTIC (8)
C2: GERONTIC (8)
Score: 312–315 (max 350)

A full house of 8's!!

Round 45: 12:39am: 25, 1, 9, 9, 2, 3. Target: 467.

C1: 467. (10)
C2: 469.
One Way: (((25 x 9) + 3 + 1) x 2) + 9 (10)
Score: 322–315 (max 360)

Well, as we hit the 10% mark (not that they knew that), Mark takes the lead for the first time with his perfect solve. Now can he hold on for his lead as long as Innis has so far?

Round 46: 12:40am: L F M V E U I R D

C1: ERUVIM (6)
C2: DIREFUL (7)
Score: 322–322 (max 367)

In one word, NO. Innis' DIREFUL suggestion means that we're back where we started!!

Round 47: 12:43am: R O S E W E D I P

C1: DEPOWERS (8)
C2: DEPOWERS (8)
Score: 330–330 (max 375)

Round 48: 12:45am: Z T T N E I A F D

C1: DEFIANT (7)
C2: FAINTED (7)
DC: TAINTED (7)
Score: 337–337 (max 382)

Round 49: 12:47am: H A T E M U G C T

C1: MATCHET (7)
C2: MUTATE (6)
Score: 344–337 (max 389)

Mark proves he's more than a MATCH(-ET) for Innis with a fantastic 7 to return him into the lead.

Round 50: 12:49am: 75, 25, 8, 6, 8, 4. Target: 130.

C1: 130. (10)
C2: 130. (10)
One Way: 75 + 25 + (8 x 4) - (8 - 6) (10)
Score: 354–347 (max 399)

Round 51: 12:56am: L E D E K A Q S V

C1: VAKEELS (7)
C2: LEVADES (7)
Score: 361–354 (max 406)

Pffff, they both almost sound like words you might say after 25 hours of complete drowsiness, but we're only about 2 hours in!!

Round 52: 12:59am: C Y W G A A E D B

C1: ADAGE (5)
C2: BAWDY (5)
DC: BAAED (5) BADGE (5) BAYED (5) BEADY (5) BEGAD (5) BEWDY (5) CADGE (5) CAGED (5) CAGEY (5) CAWED (5) DEBAG (5) DECAY (5) GYBED (5) WAGED (5) YAWED (5)
Score: 366–359 (max 411)

HOUR 3: 1:00am - 2:00am

Round 53: 1:01am: S A B E S U G D R

C1: BADGERS (7)
C2: GRADUSES (8)
Score: 366–367 (max 419)

Another fantastic darren from Innis, and that gives him the lead again.

Round 54: 1:04am: N M N N O U O T E

C1: MOUTON (6)
C2: noumen
DC: NOUMENON (8)
Score: 372–367 (max 427)

And he loses it again, and in agonising fashion too!!

Round 55: 1:07am: 50, 10, 2, 2, 1, 3. Target: 526.

C1: 526. (10)
C2: 526. (10)
One Way: ((50 + 3) x 10) - 2 - 2 (10)
Score: 382–377 (max 437)

Round 56: 1:09am: S N X S E O U T U

C1: SEXTONS (7)
C2: TENUOUS (7)
Score: 389–384 (max 444)

Round 57: 1:12am: S E H O T A L S S

C1: ASSHOLES (8)
C2: shotless
Score: 397–384 (max 452)

Lol, just when you think it can't get better, then Mark pulls out some ASSHOLES!!!

Round 58: 1:14am: J N R L A A E R M

C1: LEARN (5)
C2: ALARM (5)
DC: ARAME (5) AREAL (5) ARENA (5) LAMER (5) LEMAN (5) MALAR (5) MALER (5) MARAE (5) MARRA (5) RAMAL (5) RAMEN (5) REALM (5) REARM (5) REMAN (5) RENAL (5) RERAN (5)
Score: 402–389 (max 457)

Round 59: 1:17am: N E R E L A M R E

C1: LEARNER (7)
C2: LEARNER (7)
OT: RELEARN (7)
Score: 409–396 (max 464)

Then follows LEARN with LEARNER.

Round 60: 1:20am: 75, 25, 3, 9, 6, 4. Target: 516.

C1: 516. (10)
C2: 516. (10)
One Way: ((4 + 3) x 75 - 9 (10)
Score: 419–406 (max 474)

Round 61: 1:22am: L E S U S E H D F

C1: FLUSHED (7)
C2: FLUSHED (7)
DC: DEFLESH (7) DEFUSES (7) FLESHED (7) FLESHES (7) FLUSHES (7) HEEDFUL (7) HUELESS (7) SHELFED (7) SLUSHED (7)
Score: 426–413 (max 481)

Round 62: 1:24am: D J B S E E A S G

C1: DEBASES (7)
C2: DEBASES (7)
DC: DEGASES (7) SEABEDS (7)
Score: 433–420 (max 488)

Round 63: 1:26am: D U T U M A G C T

C1: GAMUT (5)
C2: GAMUT (5)
DC: CATGUT (6)
Score: 438–425 (max 494)

Round 64: 1:28am: V L D R E I O G I

C1: GODLIER (7)
C2: GLORIED (7)
DC: IVORIED (7) RILIEVO (7)
Score: 445–432 (max 501)

Round 65: 1:31am: 75, 1, 5, 10, 1, 5. Target: 831.

C1: 831. (10)
C2: 831. (10)
One Way: (75 x (10 + 1)) + 5 + 1 (10)
Score: 455–442 (max 511)

Round 66: 1:33am: G N T T U E E N C

C1: TENET (5)
C2: TENET (5)
DC: GENET (5) TENGE (5) TENNE (5) TUTEE (5)
Score: 460–447 (max 516)

Round 67: 1:36am: D A R A T A L A E

C1: ALTER (5)
C2: TRADE (5)
DC: ADRET (5) ALATE (5) ALDER (5) ALERT (5) ALTAR (5) AREAL (5) ARTEL (5) DEALT (5) DELTA (5) LATER (5) RATED (5) RATEL (5) TREAD (5)
Score: 465–452 (max 521)

Round 68: 1:38am: C B T Z A A A Y S

C1: CAST (4)
C2: BAYS (4)
DC: ABACAS (6) ABAYAS (6) CASABA (6) TABACS (6)
Score: 469–456 (max 527)

Crikey, 14 points each in 3 rounds!!! That's some nasty letters!!!

Round 69: 1:40am: W A F E X E M S T

C1: FEWEST (6)
C2: EXEATS (6)
Score: 475–462 (max 533)

Round 70: 1:44am: 100, 25, 8, 5, 3, 1. Target: 954.

C1: 954. Mistake in working.
C2: 955. (7)
RR: 954. ((100 + 3) x 8) + ((25 + 1) x 5) (10)
Score: 475–469 (max 543)

Innis claws back some of Mark's lead, as he doesn't quite get his 954 out, so Innis' 955 gets the 7 points.

Round 71: 1:47am: N A N O F I P N P

C1: PANINO (6)
C2: PANINO (6)
DC: FINNAN (6)
Score: 481–475 (max 549)

Round 72: 1:51am: R R S T A E O S V

C1: ROASTERS (8)
C2: ROASTERS (8)
DC: ASSERTOR (8)
Score: 489–483 (max 557)

Round 73: 1:53am: H E R A T O R B O

C1: BROTHER (7)
C2: BROTHER (7)
DC: THEORBO (7)
Score: 496–490 (max 564)

Round 74: 1:56am: P Q W D A E I K L

C1: WALKED (6)
C2: WALKED (6)
DC: DEWLAP (6) PLEIAD (6) WAILED (6)
Score: 502–496 (max 570)

Round 75: 1:59am: 50, 7, 3, 1, 4, 4. Target: 835.

C1: 835. (10)
C2: 835. (10)
One Way: (((50 x 4) + 7 + 1) x 4) + 3 (10)
Score: 512–506 (max 580)

HOUR 4: 2:00am - 3:00am

Round 76: 2:02am: P R S N A A E N M

C1: SPEARMAN (8)
C2: SPEARMAN (8)
Score: 520–514 (max 588)

Round 77: 2:06am: G E P A C I N N N

C1: PANNING (7)
C2: PENANCING (18)
Score: 520–532 (max 606)

WOW! WOW!! WOW!!! Now that's the way to get your lead back. An impressive 9 from Innis there.

Round 78: 2:09am: P M F T I O A R S

C1: IMPORTS (7)
C2: IMPORTS (7)
DC: AMORIST (7) ARMPITS (7) FORMATS (7) IMPARTS (7) IMPASTO (7) PROFITS (7) SPORTIF (7) TROPISM (7)
Score: 527–539 (max 613)

Round 79: 2:11am: W I T U S E R G L

C1: GRISTLE (7)
C2: UGLIEST (7)
DC: GLISTER (7) GUSTIER (7) GUTSIER (7) LURGIES (7) LUSTIER (7)
Score: 534–546 (max 620)

Round 80: 2:16am: 25, 50, 8, 10, 9, 9. Target: 479.

C1: 479. (10)
C2: 479. (10)
One Way: ((50 + 10) x 8) - (9 / 9) (10)
Score: 544–556 (max 630)

Round 81: 2:19am: W I B O V O T N O

C1: BOOT (4)
C2: TOWN (4)
DC: BONITO (6)
Score: 548–560 (max 636)

Round 82: 2:22am: R L M R E E U S S

C1: REUSES (6)
C2: RESUMES (7)
Score: 548–567 (max 643)

Round 83: 2:25am: L E R I M I R T I

C1: LIMIER (6)
C2: LIMITER (7)
Score: 548–574 (max 650)

Hmmm, is tiredness already getting into Mark? Back-to-back darren misses gives Innis a lead of 26 all of a sudden.

Round 84: 2:26am: T N C D O I U A E

C1: CAUTIONED (18)
C2: EDUCATION (18)
DC: AUCTIONED (18)
Score: 566–592 (max 668)

At least he didn't miss any of the 9's!!

Round 85: 2:28am: 100, 50, 75, 25, 5, 5. Target: 946.

C1: 945. (7)
C2: 945. (7)
One Way For One Away: ((100 + 75) x 5) + 50 + 25 - 5 (7)
Score: 573–599 (max 675)

Round 86: 2:40am: L R D N A A E G H

C1: HANGARED (8)
C2: GARLAND (7)
DC: ANHEDRAL (8)
Score: 581–599 (max 683)

Mark's now back in it with his 8, cutting the gap to just a 9-letter word's worth.

Round 87: 2:42am: D E T A M E D O D

C1: DEMOTED (7)
C2: DEMOTED (7)
Score: 588–606 (max 690)

Round 88: 2:44am: J B S S I E A L F

C1: JALEBIS (7)
C2: FALSIES (7)
DC: ABSEILS (7) FABLESS (7)
Score: 595–613 (max 697)

Round 89: 2:47am: G E C E V I T X T

C1: EXCITE (6)
C2: EXCITE (6)
Score: 601–619 (max 703)

Round 90: 2:49am: 25, 50, 2, 10, 7, 2. Target: 509.

C1: 509. (10)
C2: 509. (10)
One Way: (50 x 10) + 7 + 2 (10)
Score: 611–629 (max 713)

Round 91: 2:51am: Z O Y I S O T R R

C1: SORORITY (8)
C2: SORORITY (8)
Score: 619–637 (max 721)

Round 92: 2:54am: R S H K O A E L P

C1: SPARKLE (7)
C2: PAROLES (7)
DC: PHREAKS (7) PRESOAK (7) REPOSAL (7) SPHERAL (7)
Score: 626–644 (max 728)

Round 93: 2:57am: F O N A M A S A E

C1: NOSEMA (6)
C2: SEAMAN (6)
DC: SAMAAN (6)
Score: 632–650 (max 734)

HOUR 5: 3:00am - 4:00am

Round 94: 3:00am: N R P Q E E U D U

C1: QUEUED (6)
C2: PRUNED (6)
DC: ENDURE (6) ENURED (6) PUDEUR (6) PUREED (6)
Score: 638–656 (max 740)

Round 95: 3:03am: 25, 7, 10, 1, 7, 6. Target: 890.

C1: 890. (10)
C2: 890. (10)
One Way: ((7 - 1) x 6 x 25) - 10 (10)
Score: 648–666 (max 750)

Round 96: 3:16am: S M N F E E A J S

C1: SEAMEN (6)
C2: SEAMEN (6)
DC: ENEMAS (6) MANSES (6) MENSES (6) SESAME (6)
Score: 654–672 (max 756)

Round 97: 3:18am: V I R E D E R A P

C1: PARRIED (7)
C2: REPAIRED (8)
DC: PERVADER (8)
Score: 654–680 (max 764)

Innis has REPAIRED his 26 point advantage with that 8.

Round 98: 3:21am: D B D X E A E R R

C1: DEBARRED (8)
C2: DEBARRED (8)
Score: 662–688 (max 772)

Round 99: 3:23am: T U S U Y A Z N N

C1: SUNTAN (6)
C2: SUNTAN (6)
Score: 668–694 (max 778)

Round 100: 3:28am: 50, 100, 9, 9, 3, 10. Target: 867.

C1: 866. (7)
C2: 866. (7)
RR: 867. ((100 + 3) x 9) - 50 - 10 (10)
Score: 675–701 (max 788)

So, 100 rounds gone and 4 and a half hours down and the level of quality is still super high. Just gotta wonder what it will be like in 20 hours time................

Round 101: 3:30am: N A T A W A L G C

C1: CLANG (5)
C2: CLANG (5)
DC: CANTAL (6) GALANT (6)
Score: 680–706 (max 794)

Round 102: 3:32am: D B T R I I U R I

C1: BRUIT (5)
C2: TURBID (6)
Score: 680–712 (max 800)

Another darren for Innis, as the max counter hits 800.

Round 103: 3:33am: S A F O M O S I S

C1: mafiosos
C2: mafiosos
DC: MAFIOSO (7) MASSIFS (7) OSMOSIS (7)
Score: 680–712 (max 807)

Oh dear, oh dear. Another reasonable guess, but pluralising foreign words is always a tricky business. As long as they don't go into business with a MAFIOSO, they should be fine though.

Round 104: 3:36am: N H G L U O U F D

C1: FLUNG (5)
C2: DOUGH (5)
DC: UNFOLD (6)
Score: 685–717 (max 813)

Round 105: 3:39am: 25, 75, 8, 2, 50, 100. Target: 611.

C1: 612. (7)
C2: 610. (7)
RR: 611. ((75 - 2) x 8) + 25 + (100 / 50) (10)
Score: 692–724 (max 823)

Hmmm, the 2nd numbers game in a row unsolved by the contestants. That method is actually the only solution to this 86%-er. So, no real surprise, I guess.

Round 106: 3:41am: D B C G U O O W T

C1: WOODCUT (7)
C2: woodgut
Score: 699–724 (max 830)

Mark gets back in with a cool darren of his own.

Round 107: 3:47am: N E S O R T I E S

C1: SEROTINES (18)
C2: SEROTINES (18)
Score: 717–742 (max 848)

And there's another 9. That's £20 from the Riley fund now.

Round 108: 3:50am: T N V T A E I A T

C1: NATIVE (6)
C2: TITANATE (8)
Score: 717–750 (max 856)

Well, it's fair to say that we can forgive them for "simple" misses, but when you're still pulling off awesome darrens like that, then you've gotta give mega praise to both these guys, especially as we're now 5 hours in, more or less.

Round 109: 3:53am: N E M E P A P G A

C1: MANAGE (6)
C2: MENAGE (6)
DC: APEMAN (6) APEMEN (6) MANEGE (6)
Score: 723–756 (max 862)

Round 110: 3:57am: 75, 50, 8, 7, 4, 4. Target: 712.

C1: 710. (7)
C2: 714. (7)
RR: 712. (8 x 75) + (7 x 4 x 4) (10)
Score: 730–763 (max 872)

HOUR 6: 4:00am - 5:00am

Round 111: 4:00am: C L E E Q O R L T

C1: ELECTRO (7)
C2: ELECTOR (7)
Score: 737–770 (max 879)

Round 112: 4:07am: M S H R O U E L K

C1: HOMERS (6)
C2: HOMERS (6)
DC: HOLMES (6) KHOUMS (6) KOSHER (6) LEMURS (6) LOUSER (6) LUSHER (6) MOHELS (6) MORELS (6) MORSEL (6) MOUSER (6) MUSHER (6) SMOKER (6) SULKER (6)
Score: 743–776 (max 885)

Round 113: 4:10am: S U T O R E C I N

C1: COUNTRIES (18)
C2: COUNTRIES (18)
DC: CRETINOUS (18) NEUROTICS (18)
Score: 761–794 (max 903)

£25 now thanks to them knowing their COUNTRIES. I wonder if they have ever considered going on Pointless

Round 114: 4:13am: R D P R I E E R M

C1: PERIDERM (8)
C2: PERIDERM (8)
Score: 769–802 (max 911)

Well, the words rounds would do them good too!!

Round 115: 4:16am: 25, 100, 75, 3, 5, 5. Target: 858.

C1: 858. (10)
C2: 858. (10)
One Way: ((100 + 75) x 5) - 25 + 5 + 3 (10)
Score: 779–812 (max 921)

Round 116: 4:18am: S K L Q E U U L D

C1: QUELLS (6)
C2: QUELLS (6)
DC: SKULLED (7)
Score: 785–818 (max 928)

Round 117: 4:20am: L U G I C A S M A

C1: MAGICAL (7)
C2: MUSICAL (7)
DC: CALAMUS (7)
Score: 792–825 (max 935)

Round 118: 4:23am: F N J V A I U N A

C1: INFAUNA (7)
C2: FAUNA (5)
Score: 799–825 (max 942)

To FAUNA or to INFAUNA? That is the question. Mark gives the right response to shrink the gap ever so slightly.

Round 119: 4:25am: D A B E C O G L T

C1: BLOATED (7)
C2: LOCATED (7)
OT: GELCOAT (7) GLOATED (7)
Score: 806–832 (max 949)

Round 120: 4:29am: 100, 50, 6, 6, 5, 3. Target: 408.

C1: 408. (10)
C2: 408. (10)
One Way: (6 x 50) + 100 + 5 + 3 (10)
Score: 816–842 (max 959)

Round 121: 4:35am: V O T I T U S U T

C1: OUTSIT (6)
C2: OUTSIT (6)
DC: TUTTIS (6)
Score: 822–848 (max 965)

Round 122: 4:38am: R S S M O A E A F

C1: femoras
C2: AMASSER (7)
Score: 822–855 (max 972)

Oooooh, yet another unlucky try there from Mark. But, Innis is clearly the big AMASSER here.

Round 123: 4:40am: H A P E W A T N E

C1: HEPTANE (7)
C2: HEPTANE (7)
DC: WHEATEN (7)
Score: 829–862 (max 979)

Round 124: 4:42am: H G T W E A O Y X

C1: TOWAGE (6)
C2: WHEAT (5)
Score: 835–862 (max 985)

Mark gets back in with his TOWAGE.

Round 125: 4:45am: 25, 5, 4, 7, 8, 4. Target: 692.

C1: 692. (10)
C2: 692. (10)
One Way: (7 x 4 x 25) - 8 (10)
Score: 845–872 (max 995)

Round 126: 4:46am: R R S P A I E N M

C1: MARINERS (8)
C2: MARINERS (8)
Score: 853–880 (max 1003)

Now the max counter has hit 4 figures!!!

Round 127: 4:48am: P A N E R E T R E

C1: REPENTER (8)
C2: REPEATER (8)
DC: REPARTEE (8)
Score: 861–888 (max 1011)

Round 128: 4:52am: D G F L A E O D N

C1: FONDLED (7)
C2: FONDLED (7)
DC: DANGLED (7) FLANGED (7) GLADDEN (7) GLADDON (7)
Score: 868–895 (max 1018)

Round 129: 4:56am: D I B O S E B N O

C1: sideboob
C2: NOBODIES (8)
Score: 868–903 (max 1026)

Now, there are times when there are very reasonable guesses, and then there's this one from Deeksy...............

EDIT: Just found out he actually had BOOBIES, but since Innis had the round, just altered it for a laugh.

Round 130: 4:58am: 25, 75, 8, 5, 4, 7. Target: 413.

C1: 413. (10)
C2: 413. (10)
One Way: ((75 + 25) x 4) + 8 + 5 (10)
Score: 878–913 (max 1036)

HOUR 7: 5:00am - 6:00am

Round 131: 5:01am: S E T I C E N U T

C1: ENTICES (7)
C2: ENTICES (7)
DC: CUTTIES (7) NETTIES (7)
Score: 885–920 (max 1043)

Round 132: 5:03am: S R Z R E E I D P

C1: RESPIRED (8)
C2: REPRISED (8)
Score: 893–928 (max 1051)

Round 133: 5:06am: R O R O M O S N A

C1: MORONS (6)
C2: MAROONS (7)
DC: AMOROSO (7) MARRONS (7)
Score: 893–935 (max 1058)

MAROONS spotted by Innis there. I wonder if Mark is feeling a different shade of brown now..........?

Round 134: 5:09am: J F M S A E I C P

C1: campies
C2: campies
DC: AMICES (6) APICES (6) FACIES (6) SAMFIE (6) SCAMPI (6)
Score: 893–935 (max 1064)

Well, if there was a T in the selection, everything would've been fine.

Round 135: 5:11am: 100, 50, 75, 25, 1, 8. Target: 440.

C1: 440. (10)
C2: 440. (10)
One Way: (50 + (100 / 25) + 1) x 8 (10)
Score: 903–945 (max 1074)

Round 136: 5:15am: T T T V I O U O T

C1: TOOT (4)
C2: TUTTI (5)
Score: 903–950 (max 1079)

Hmmmm, TUTTI frutti time. Yum.

Round 137: 5:17am: N E V I R E S P N

C1: PENNIES (7)
C2: SPINNER (7)
DC: NERVINES (8)
Score: 910–957 (max 1087)

Another odd looking 8 deceives the pair.

Round 138: 5:19am: M R Y X I E I N T

C1: INTERMIX (8)
C2: MINTIER (7)
Score: 918–957 (max 1095)

Round 139: 5:21am: W A H U B E B C T

C1: BETCHA (6)
C2: BUTCH (5)
Score: 924–957 (max 1101)

WOAH! WOAH!! WOAH!!! What's this?? All of a sudden, Mark returns with a double darren!!

Round 140: 5:24am: 100, 25, 4, 5, 7, 4. Target: 659.

C1: 659. (10)
C2: 659. (10)
One Way: (7 x 100) - 25 - (4 x 4) (10)
Score: 934–967 (max 1111)

Round 141: 5:27am: L E D I G E F N C

C1: FLEECING (8)
C2: FLEECING (8)
Score: 942–975 (max 1119)

Round 142: 5:28am: G B D L I E U D O

C1: DOUBLED (7)
C2: DOUBLED (7)
DC: BLUDGED (7) OBLIGED (7)
Score: 949–982 (max 1126)

Round 143: 5:30am: G U L U L I K Q E

C1: GUILE (5)
C2: QUILL (5)
DC: LIGULE (6)
Score: 954–987 (max 1132)

Another darren missed here, but the scores are both edging closer to the 1,000 mark for both our valiant contestants.

Round 144: 5:32am: S L D D O I U S U

C1: SOLIDUS (7)
C2: SOLIDUS (7)
DC: DULOSIS (7)
Score: 961–994 (max 1139)

Round 145: 5:35am: 75, 2, 7, 10, 6, 1. Target: 130.

C1: 130. (10)
C2: 130. (10)
One Way: (75 - 10) x 2 (10)
Score: 971–1004 (max 1149)

And that's Innis' millennium up.

Round 146: 5:37am: N T G D U O I H E

C1: DOUTING (7)
C2: THONGED (7)
DC: HIDEOUT (7) HOUTING (7) TONGUED (7) TOUGHED (7) TOUGHEN (7) TOUGHIE (7)
Score: 978–1011 (max 1156)

Round 147: 5:40am: P A F E M E P E N

C1: APEMEN (6)
C2: APEMEN (6)
Score: 984–1017 (max 1162)

Round 148: 5:43am: R S N R A I E T A

C1: NARRATES (8)
C2: NARRATES (8)
DC: ANTISERA (8) ARTESIAN (8) RESTRAIN (8) RETRAINS (8) SANTERIA (8) STRAINER (8) TERRAINS (8) TRAINERS (8) TRANSIRE (8)
Score: 992–1025 (max 1170)

Round 149: 5:47am: T U W O S U L E L

C1: OUTSELL (7)
C2: LUTEOUS (7)
Score: 999–1032 (max 1177)

Round 150: 5:49am: 50, 25, 8, 1, 9, 3. Target: 122.

C1: 122. (10)
C2: 122. (10)
One Way: ((25 - 1) x 3) + 50 (10)
Score: 1009–1042 (max 1187)

5 more perfect rounds later, and Mark gets his too.

Round 151: 5:53am: F I G E L E D B H

C1: BELIEF (6)
C2: FLEDGE (6)
DC: BEHELD (6) BELIED (6) BILGED (6) DEFILE (6) EDIBLE (6)
Score: 1015–1048 (max 1193)

Round 152: 5:55am: Z R P W A U I N M

C1: UNWRAP (6)
C2: UNWRAP (6)
DC: INWRAP (6) MIZUNA (6) RUMINA (6)
Score: 1021–1054 (max 1199)

Round 153: 5:58am: R I Y E T E G B L

C1: BEERILY (7)
C2: TREBLE (6)
DC: LIBERTY (7)
Score: 1028–1054 (max 1206)

Well, Mark wins another round, but I wonder if he really wants a beer after that offering.

That's 7 hours down, 18 to go.

PART 3 BELOW

[James Robinson]

So, it's Part 3, and we carry on at 6am, and while I and loads of others start to rise and shine, Mark and Innis were carrying on shining.

Here we go.

HOUR 8: 6:00am - 7:00am

Round 154: 6:00am: D R R M E I I S N

C1: REMINDS (7)
C2: MINDERS (7)
DC: INSIDER (7)
Score: 1035–1061 (max 1213)

Round 155: 6:04am: 50, 4, 7, 5, 4, 6. Target: 982.

C1: 982. (10)
C2: 982. (10)
One Way: (50 x 5 x 4) - ((7 - 4) x 6) (10)
Score: 1045–1071 (max 1223)

Round 156: 6:05am: S D L D U I U N O

C1: DILDOS (6)
C2: DILDOS (6)
DC: UNSOLD (6)
Score: 1051–1077 (max 1229)

Now are there minds elsewhere now..............??

Round 157: 6:07am: S E N I P U F M S

C1: INFUSES (7)
C2: fuminess
DC: MINUSES (7) MUNSIFS (7) SUPINES (7)
Score: 1058–1077 (max 1236)

Well, maybe Innis' is again, as Mark claws back even more ground, although yet again, fuminess does seem a more than reasonable shout.

Round 158: 6:10am: P N N G A I A Q C

C1: PACING (6)
C2: PACING (6)
DC: ANGINA (6) CANING (6) CAPING (6) INANGA (6)
Score: 1064–1083 (max 1242)

Round 159: 6:13am: N E B A K E D R T

C1: BANTERED (8)
C2: BANTERED (8)
DC: TANKERED (8)
Score: 1072–1091 (max 1250)

Round 160: 6:15am: 100, 75, 6, 6, 2, 3. Target: 569.

C1: 569. (10)
C2: 569. (10)
One Way: ((100 - 6) x 6) + 3 + 2 (10)
Score: 1082–1101 (max 1260)

Round 161: 6:27am: T E T E V O V T R

C1: TOTTER (6)
C2: REVOTE (6)
DC: TETTER (6) VERVET (6) VETOER (6)
Score: 1088–1107 (max 1266)

Round 162: 6:28am: D T R X O O O H G

C1: ORTHODOX (8)
C2: ORTHODOX (8)
Score: 1096–1115 (max 1274)

ORTHODOX............G. Where's a Y when you need it!!??

Round 163: 6:30am: R O N E P I T U S

C1: ERUPTIONS (18)
C2: ERUPTIONS (18)
Score: 1114–1133 (max 1292)

But we do get a 9 almost straight away!!!

Round 164: 6:33am: R S J F O U O M I

C1: FURIOSO (7)
C2: FURIOSO (7)
Score: 1121–1140 (max 1299)

Round 165: 6:35am: 100, 4, 3, 2, 6, 6. Target: 522.

C1: 522. (10)
C2: 522. (10)
One Way: (100 - 6 - 4 - 3) x 6 (10)
Score: 1131–1150 (max 1309)

Round 166: 6:37am: S C C T E I A S N

C1: CINEASTS (8)
C2: ACCENTS (7)
DC: ASCETICS (8) SCANTIES (8)
Score: 1139–1150 (max 1317)

Crikey, that's 5 winning rounds in a row for Mark (when there has been a winner), and the gap that was 47 points a few rounds a go, is now down to 11!!!

Round 167: 6:41am: M E R A R A R B E

C1: BEARER (6)
C2: BEARER (6)
DC: BEAMER (6) MARRER (6) REAMER (6) REARER (6)
Score: 1145–1156 (max 1323)

Round 168: 6:43am: N N N S E A A R A

C1: NEARS (5)
C2: ARENAS (6)
DC: NANNAS (6)
Score: 1145–1162 (max 1329)

Innis gets his first winner for a while, restoring his lead to 17.

Round 169: 6:45am: T A V I T E T V S

C1: STATIVE (7)
C2: TATTIES (7)
Score: 1152–1169 (max 1336)

Round 170: 6:49am: 25, 100, 10, 8, 7, 1. Target: 928.

C1: 928. (10)
C2: 928. (10)
One Way: ((10 - 1) x 100) + 25 + 10 - 7 (10)
Score: 1162–1179 (max 1346)

Round 171: 6:51am: T E T I P E R D T

C1: TITTERED (8)
C2: PRETTIED (8)
Score: 1170–1187 (max 1354)

Round 172: 6:54am: D Z S S I I E P E

C1: DESPISE (7)
C2: DESPISE (7)
Score: 1177–1194 (max 1361)

Round 173: 6:58am: N E R E N E M G D

C1: ENGENDER (8)
C2: ENGENDER (8)
Score: 1185–1202 (max 1369)

HOUR 9: 7:00am - 8:00am

Round 174: 7:14am: S D M G A A A B U

C1: AGAMAS (6)
C2: GAMBAS (6)
DC: BADAMS (6)
Score: 1191–1208 (max 1375)

Round 175: 7:16am: 50, 8, 10, 3, 1, 4. Target: 846.

C1: 846. (10)
C2: 846. (10)
One Way: ((10 + 8 - 1) x 50) - 4 (10)
Score: 1201–1218 (max 1385)

Round 176: 7:20am: L S C Q O O E A E

C1: ECLOSE (6)
C2: SOLACE (6)
DC: COOEES (6)
Score: 1207–1224 (max 1391)

Round 177: 7:24am: N I G O C U N P F

C1: POUNCING (8)
C2: POUNCING (8)
Score: 1215–1232 (max 1399)

NINE IN A LINE!!!! (Not 30 seconds the time, but that's 9 max rounds in a row for the leviathans. )

Round 178: 7:27am: S W B H O O O T S

C1: SHOOTS (6)
C2: BOOTHS (6)
DC: BOWSHOTS (8)
Score: 1221–1238 (max 1407)

Hmmm, would've liked to be on target with the BOWSHOTS there, but yet again, it's unpencilled, so no complaints.

Round 179: 7:30am: R O L E F U H L L

C1: FULLER (6)
C2: HOLLER (6)
DC: FOULER (6)
Score: 1227–1244 (max 1413)

Round 180: 7:33am: 50, 100, 9, 7, 2, 6. Target: 243.

C1: 243. (10)
C2: 243. (10)
One Way: (2 x 100) + 50 - 7 (10)
Score: 1237–1254 (max 1423)

Round 181: 7:36am: T O C I D U L I I

C1: IDIOTIC (7)
C2: IDIOTIC (7)
Score: 1244–1261 (max 1430)

Round 182: 7:38am: F G D T E E I X Y

C1: FIDGETY (7)
C2: FIDGETY (7)
Score: 1251–1268 (max 1437)

Round 183: 7:40am: K O N O M A J S R

C1: MAROONS (7)
C2: MAROONS (7)
Score: 1258–1275 (max 1444)

Round 184: 7:45am: M C P N O O E D G

C1: GOODMEN (7)
C2: GOODMEN (7)
Score: 1265–1282 (max 1451)

A full house of darrenic 7's in this letters run. And after 8 and a half hours now, that's some going!!!

Round 185: 7:47am: 50, 1, 2, 3, 6, 8. Target: 560.

C1: 560. (10)
C2: 560. (10)
One Way: (50 + 6) x (8 + 2) (10)
Score: 1275–1292 (max 1461)

Round 186: 7:49am: T H S T A E E R T

C1: THEATRES (8)
C2: THEATRES (8)
Score: 1283–1300 (max 1469)

Round 187: 7:52am: L E M I C A Q N N

C1: LINEMAN (7)
C2: MELANIC (7)
DC: MELANIN (7)
Score: 1290–1307 (max 1476)

Round 188: 7:54am: R B R R A E O T Y

C1: BOATER (6)
C2: TERROR (6)
DC: ARTERY (6) BARTER (6) BARYTE (6) BETRAY (6) BORATE (6) ORRERY (6) ROARER (6) ROTARY (6)
Score: 1296–1313 (max 1482)

Round 189: 7:56am: T A W O B U N S L

C1: OUTLAWS (7)
C2: WALNUTS (7)
DC: BUTANOL (7) UNBOLTS (7)
Score: 1303–1320 (max 1489)

HOUR 10: 8:00am - 9:00am

Round 190: 8:01am: 25, 9, 7, 4, 5, 10. Target: 820.

C1: 820. (10)
C2: 820. (10)
One Way: ((25 x 9) - ((7 - 5) x 10)) x 4 (10)
Score: 1313–1330 (max 1499)

Round 191: 8:03am: D O L A D U Z S S

C1: DOULAS (6)
C2: SADDOS (6)
DC: DOSSAL (6) LADDUS (6)
Score: 1319–1336 (max 1505)

That's a lucky (or is it unlucky) 13 rounds in a row that we've had perfection from these guys. TRULY STAGGERING

Round 192: 8:06am: P D S H U O A N E

C1: DAPSONE (7)
C2: UNHASPED (8)
DC: UNSHAPED (8)
Score: 1319–1344 (max 1513)

Well, maybe it's unlucky for Mark, as Innis gets another great 8 to get his lead back upto a quarter century.

Round 193: 8:08am: R A W E R I X R I

C1: WAXIER (6)
C2: WARIER (6)
DC: AIRIER (6) WIRIER (6)
Score: 1325–1350 (max 1519)

Round 194: 8:10am: G M D T I I E T A

C1: MITIGATED (18)
C2: MITIGATED (18)
Score: 1343–1368 (max 1537)

Another £5 from the Riley Bank.

Round 195: 8:12am: 25, 9, 1, 7, 3, 3. Target: 200.

C1: 200. (10)
C2: 200. (10)
One Way: (9 - 1) x 25 (10)
Score: 1353–1378 (max 1547)

Round 196: 8:14am: V T S V A I A T E

C1: AVIATES (7)
C2: STATIVE (7)
DC: SATIATE (7)
Score: 1360–1385 (max 1554)

Interesting that Innis gets STATIVE, about an hour after Mark got it!

Round 197: 8:17am: S E N I G U J S R

C1: SINGERS (7)
C2: INJURES (7)
DC: GUISERS (7) INGRESS (7) INSURES (7) JESSING (7) NURSIES (7) RESIGNS (7) REUSING (7) SIGNERS (7) SUNRISE (7)
Score: 1367–1392 (max 1561)

Round 198: 8:19am: D L F L I A O F E

C1: LOAFED (6)
C2: FILLED (6)
DC: FLAILED (7)
Score: 1373–1398 (max 1568)

Round 199: 8:22am: P E N O C E K N M

C1: CONMEN (6)
C2: CONMEN (6)
DC: PENMEN (6)
Score: 1379–1404 (max 1574)

Round 200: 8:24am: 50, 25, 4, 3, 5, 10. Target: 183.

C1: 183. (10)
C2: 183. (10)
One Way: (50 x 4) - 25 + 5 + 3 (10)
Score: 1389–1414 (max 1584)

Round 201: 8:26am: F O G O S O R E P

C1: FORGOES (7)
C2: FORGOES (7)
DC: OOSPORE (7) SPOOFER (7)
Score: 1396–1421 (max 1591)

Round 202: 8:30am: F K N M A O O C E

C1: CAMEO (5)
C2: CANOE (5)
DC: COMAE (5) KENAF (5) OAKEN (5) OCEAN (5)
Score: 1401–1426 (max 1596)

Round 203: 8:33am: S E Z I N U P S G

C1: SUPINES (7)
C2: UPSIZES (7)
DC: GUINEPS (7)
Score: 1408–1433 (max 1603)

Round 204: 8:36am: N T W R O E A R R

C1: warrentor (and declared as 8)
C2: NARROWER (8)
Score: 1408–1441 (max 1611)

Oh dear, a "double" negative for Mark, as he says warrentor, which isn't in and declared it as an 8, when it was a 9............

Round 205: 8:37am: 50, 25, 75, 100, 9, 7. Target: 918.

C1: 918. (10)
C2: 918. (10)
One Way: (100 + (50 / 25)) x 9 (10)
Score: 1418–1451 (max 1621)

Round 206: 8:39am: X V T T O I U T J

C1: TUTTI (5)
C2: TUTTI (5)
Score: 1423–1456 (max 1626)

Mark now gets TUTTI with his darrenic 5, following on from Innis' example a few rounds ago.

Round 207: 8:41am: R E S A R A R T P

C1: ARREARS (7)
C2: ARREARS (7)
DC: PARTERS (7) PRATERS (7) STARRER (7)
Score: 1430–1463 (max 1633)

Round 208: 8:43am: D D S L I E E N I

C1: SIDELINED (18)
C2: SIDELINED (18)
Score: 1448–1481 (max 1651)

They're certainly not SIDELINED, but the Bank of Riley is slowly losing funds.

Round 209: 8:45am: B A R U D E G C A

C1: GRACED (6)
C2: BRACED (6)
DC: ABRADE (6) ARCADE (6) ARGUED (6) AUBADE (6) BADGER (6) BARGED (6) BAUERA (6) BECARD (6) CADGER (6) CUBAGE (6) CURBED (6) DAUBER (6) EARBUD (6) GARBED (6)
Score: 1454–1487 (max 1657)

Round 210: 8:47am: 100, 75, 9, 7, 2, 5. Target: 263.

C1: 263. (10)
C2: 263. Mistake in working.
One Way: (2 x 100) + (9 x 7) (10)
Score: 1464–1487 (max 1667)

Oh dear, now I would say that tiredness and being awake for 10 hours might be an issue, but that's quite a bad miss from Innis there........

Round 211: 8:50am: B E R I G I Y L M

C1: GERBIL (6)
C2: GRIMILY (7)
Score: 1464–1494 (max 1674)

Well, he makes up for it immediately with that darren.

Round 212: 8:51am: C M D N A E I O O

C1: COMEDIAN (8)
C2: COMEDIAN (8)
DC: CODOMAIN (8) DAEMONIC (8) DEMONIAC (8) MONOACID (8)
Score: 1472–1502 (max 1682)

Clearly getting inspiration from Mr. Watson next door.

Round 213: 8:55am: Q A N I T A W T R

C1: TARIQAT (7)
C2: TARIQAT (7)
Score: 1479–1509 (max 1689)

Round 214: 8:59am: V S S S A U E L I

C1: LASSIES (7)
C2: VISUALS (7)
DC: AVULSES (7) SUASIVE (7) VALISES (7)
Score: 1486–1516 (max 1696)

HOUR 11: 9:00am - 10:00am

Round 215: 9:02am: 25, 75, 50, 100, 6, 6. Target: 487.

C1: 487. (10)
C2: 487. (10)
One Way: ((75 + (100 / 50)) x 6) + 25 (10)
Score: 1496–1526 (max 1706)

Round 216: 9:13am: G H S T U I E N P

C1: PIGNUTS (7)
C2: PUSHING (7)
DC: GUINEPS (7) GUNSHIP (7) PUNIEST (7) PUNTIES (7) STUPING (7)
Score: 1503–1533 (max 1713)

Round 217: 9:16am: F A L A D O L U E

C1: DOLEFUL (7)
C2: DOLEFUL (7)
Score: 1510–1540 (max 1720)

Round 218: 9:19am: F D S H E E E T O

C1: SEETHED (7)
C2: SEETHED (7)
DC: SHEETED (7)
Score: 1517–1547 (max 1727)

Round 219: 9:22am: P E N O M O R I U

C1: IONOMER (7)
C2: MOONIER (7)
Score: 1524–1554 (max 1734)

Another full house of 7's in this mini letters run.

Round 220: 9:27am: 75, 50, 5, 6, 9, 2. Target: 580.

C1: 580. (10)
C2: 580. (10)
One Way: (75 + 50 - 9) x 5 (10)
Score: 1534–1564 (max 1744)

Round 221: 9:30am: D O L U H E S T E

C1: SLEUTHED (8)
C2: LOUDEST (7)
Score: 1542–1564 (max 1752)

Another very good darrenic 8 from Mark. Are we gonna get a complete comeback soon?

Round 222: 9:33am: P N L R E I E P R

C1: REPLIER (7)
C2: REPLIER (7)
Score: 1549–1571 (max 1759)

Round 223: 9:37am: R E N E L I V M E

C1: RELIEVE (7)
C2: RELIEVE (7)
DC: VERMEIL (7)
Score: 1556–1578 (max 1766)

Round 224: 9:40am: Y S D D O I O R A

C1: SORDID (6)
C2: DORADOS (7)
Score: 1556–1585 (max 1773)

Another darren for Innis, and that's now a lead of 29 points.

Round 225: 9:43am: 100, 7, 7, 1, 10, 8. Target: 662.

C1: 662. (10)
C2: 662. (10)
One Way: ((100 - 7) x 7) + 10 + 1 (10)
Score: 1566–1595 (max 1783)

So, that's the halfway point of the marathon, and considering that they've played 225 rounds, and that the gap is only 29 points shows how formidable these 2 are!!!

Let's hope for more of the same.

Round 226: 9:45am: S T D M O A E C S

C1: MASCOTS (7)
C2: MASTED (6)
DC: COASTED (7)
Score: 1573–1595 (max 1790)

A good start to the 2nd half for Mark, as we get to the 11 hour mark.

Round 227: 9:47am: Q O N A T A T V N

C1: ANNATTO (7)
C2: ANNATTO (7)
Score: 1580–1602 (max 1797)

Round 228: 9:49am: P R T D A A O F H

C1: ADAPTOR (7)
C2: ADAPTOR (7)
DC: HARDTOP (7)
Score: 1587–1609 (max 1804)

Round 229: 9:51am: G I T E T E R S N

C1: RESETTING (18)
C2: RESETTING (18)
DC: RETESTING (18)
Score: 1605–1627 (max 1822)

CHING CHING!! £5 please, Mrs. Gilbert!!

Round 230: 9:54am: 100, 25, 2, 8, 10, 4. Target: 985.

C1: 985. (10)
C2: 985. (10)
One Way: (10 x 100) - 25 + 8 + 2 (10)
Score: 1615–1637 (max 1832)

Round 231: 9:57am: M I C O K N E W S

C1: INCOMES (7)
C2: INCOMES (7)
DC: MESONIC (7) MOCKIES (7) WINSOME (7)
Score: 1622–1644 (max 1839)

Round 232: 9:59am: W T X S U A A S E

C1: SWEATS (6)
C2: WASTES (6)
DC: SAUTES (6) TAWSES (6)
Score: 1628–1650 (max 1845)

HOUR 12: 10:00am - 11:00am

Round 233: 10:01am: C A B A R E F L L

C1: CALLER (6)
C2: CALLER (6)
DC: ARABLE (6) BALLER (6) BEFALL (6) CARAFE (6) CELLAR (6) FABLER (6) FAECAL (6) FALLER (6) LABRAL (6) RECALL (6)
Score: 1634–1656 (max 1851)

Round 234: 10:04am: G D G B U I O R O

C1: BOUDOIR (7)
C2: BOUDOIR (7)
Score: 1641–1663 (max 1858)

Round 235: 10:06am: 50, 4, 9, 3, 9, 3. Target: 918.

C1: 918. (10)
C2: 918. (10)
One Way: (50 + (3 / 3)) x (9 + 9) (10)
Score: 1651–1673 (max 1868)

Round 236: 10:11am: N T J S A A O Z P

C1: JAPANS (6)
C2: STANZA (6)
DC: ANSATZ (6) PANTOS (6) SONATA (6)
Score: 1657–1679 (max 1874)

Round 237: 10:15am: G E F I M O N R B

C1: FORMING (7)
C2: FORMING (7)
DC: BONFIRE (7) BROMINE (7) FERMION (7) FOREIGN (7) FROGMEN (7)
Score: 1664–1686 (max 1881)

Round 238: 10:20am: K N C M A E O D I

C1: COMEDIAN (8)
C2: COMEDIAN (8)
DC: DAEMONIC (8) DEMONIAC (8)
Score: 1672–1694 (max 1889)

Round 239: 10:21am: T E M A C O G O S

C1: COMATOSE (8)
C2: COMATOSE (8)
Score: 1680–1702 (max 1897)

Round 240: 10:23am: 100, 50, 4, 3, 9, 6. Target: 185.

C1: 185. (10)
C2: 185. (10)
One Way: (50 x 4) - 9 - 6 (10)
Score: 1690–1712 (max 1907)

Round 241: 10:25am: P I N E T O V E J

C1: POTJIE (6)
C2: POINTE (6)
DC: POTEEN (6)
Score: 1696–1718 (max 1913)

Round 242: 10:27am: T S N D E A A Y D

C1: ASYNDETA (8)
C2: ASYNDETA (8)
Score: 1704–1726 (max 1921)

Round 243: 10:29am: D A R A R A L E G

C1: GLARED (6)
C2: REALGAR (7)
Score: 1704–1733 (max 1928)

That's Mark's 18 max rounds brought to a halt, and what an impressive 7 from Innis too!!

11 and a half hours gone and they're still belting out some great hits.

Round 244: 10:34am: D N S C E I O A E

C1: OCEANSIDE (18)
C2: OCEANSIDE (18)
Score: 1722–1751 (max 1946)

And here's another 9 for good measure.

Round 245: 10:37am: 100, 5, 5, 7, 2, 1. Target: 588.

C1: 588. (10)
C2: 588. (10)
One Way: (100 - 2) x (7 - 1) (10)
Score: 1732–1761 (max 1956)

Round 246: 10:39am: R S L H E U U S R

C1: HURLERS (7)
C2: HURLERS (7)
DC: RUSHERS (7) USURERS (7)
Score: 1739–1768 (max 1963)

Round 247: 10:41am: S O Q O F U G N E

C1: FUNGOES (7)
C2: FUNGOES (7)
Score: 1746–1775 (max 1970)

Round 248: 10:43am: R S G T O I E T P

C1: SPOTTIER (8)
C2: SPOTTIER (8)
Score: 1754–1783 (max 1978)

Round 249: 10:48am: X E V I B I L L O

C1: BOLLIX (6)
C2: BOLLIX (6)
DC: BOILIE (6)
Score: 1760–1789 (max 1984)

What a load of BOLLIX!!!

Round 250: 10:50am: 100, 25, 10, 7, 6, 1. Target: 907.

C1: 907. (10)
C2: 907. (10)
One Way: ((10 - 1) x 100) + 7 (10)
Score: 1770–1799 (max 1994)

Round 251: 10:52am: F E S E R I Z E N

C1: SNEEZIER (8)
C2: FRENZIES (8)
Score: 1778–1807 (max 2002)

Crikey, 2000 points up in the max counter!!!

Round 252: 10:54am: T S M B U O E R R

C1: STORMER (7)
C2: ROUTERS (7)
DC: ROBUSTER (8)
Score: 1785–1814 (max 2010)

Round 253: 10:57am: N U M A L I T B A

C1: MATINAL (7)
C2: AMBULANT (8)
DC: BIMANUAL (8)
Score: 1785–1822 (max 2018)

Another good word from Innis, and he has now come up good in the 2nd half.

HOUR 13: 11:00am - 12 noon

Round 254: 11:00am: D P T W A U E W T

C1: UPDATE (6)
C2: PATTED (6)
DC: PUTTED (6)
Score: 1791–1828 (max 2024)

Round 255: 11:01am: 100, 50, 75, 25, 5, 1. Target: 508.

C1: 508. (10)
C2: 508. (10)
One Way: ((100 + 1) x 5) + (75 / 25) (10)
Score: 1801–1838 (max 2034)

Round 256: 11:13am: P R H F E A I N R

C1: HEPARIN (7)
C2: REFRAIN (7)
Score: 1808–1845 (max 2041)

Round 257: 11:17am: T A R E G I D D S

C1: DISRATED (8)
C2: TIRADES (7)
Score: 1816–1845 (max 2049)

Now, Mark comes back in with an 8 of his own.

Round 258: 11:20am: C P D G U O I R E

C1: GROUPIE (7)
C2: GROUPED (7)
DC: ERGODIC (7) PERCOID (7) PIROGUE (7) PODGIER (7) PRODUCE (7) PUDGIER (7)
Score: 1823–1852 (max 2056)

Round 259: 11:22am: R I L U D O N U I

C1: ROUND (5)
C2: LURID (5)
DC: INDRI (5)
Score: 1828–1857 (max 2061)

Round 260: 11:24am: 50, 75, 3, 2, 7, 3. Target: 473.

C1: 473. (10)
C2: 473. (10)
One Way: (75 x 7) - 50 - 2 (10)
Score: 1838–1867 (max 2071)

Round 261: 11:26am: X E V E B I N W W

C1: VIXEN (5)
C2: bevie
DC: NEWBIE (6)
Score: 1843–1867 (max 2077)

Hmmmm, you can't have a bevie it seems!? Or at least not with that spelling!

Round 262: 11:27am: T N S R E O E N I

C1: TENSIONER (18)
C2: TENSIONER (18)
Score: 1861–1885 (max 2095)

More TENSION if ever it was needed!! After 12 and a half hours, I doubt we need any more!!

Round 263: 11:30am: S A T A Y A N T I

C1: ATTAINS (7)
C2: ATTAINS (7)
Score: 1868–1892 (max 2102)

Round 264: 11:33am: T P T P A U U O R

C1: TROUT (5)
C2: partout
DC: APPORT (6) OUTPUT (6)
Score: 1873–1892 (max 2108)

I wonder if Innis was thinking "PART OUT", or if he was Frenching it up as "par-too". Either way, it's not in..........

Round 265: 11:37am: 75, 4, 10, 7, 6, 9. Target: 168.

C1: 168. (10)
C2: 168. (10)
One Way: 7 x 6 x 4 (10)
Score: 1883–1902 (max 2118)

Round 266: 11:39am: M T S H E E O M U

C1: MOUTHS (6)
C2: MOUTHS (6)
DC: EMMETS (6) EMOTES (6) METHOS (6) THEMES (6)
Score: 1889–1908 (max 2124)

Round 267: 11:41am: L O B O Z I L L N

C1: BILL (4)
C2: BILL (4)
DC: BILLON (6)
Score: 1893–1912 (max 2130)

Now the French can come into play with this darrenic 6.

A BILLON is an alloy used in coinage, consisting of gold or silver with a larger amount of base metal.

Round 268: 11:44am: F R P R I E E N D

C1: INFERRED (8)
C2: REFINED (7)
Score: 1901–1912 (max 2138)

Another good darren from Mark and the gap goes down to 11.

Round 269: 11:46am: J I B O G A M T C

C1: COMBAT (6)
C2: COMBAT (6)
DC: ATOMIC (6) GAMBIT (6)
Score: 1907–1918 (max 2144)

Round 270: 11:49am: 50, 25, 1, 3, 7, 3. Target: 219.

C1: 219. (10)
C2: 219. (10)
One Way: (50 + 25 + 1 - 3) x 3 (10)
Score: 1917–1928 (max 2154)

Round 271: 11:53am: F E G U N E S E R

C1: RENEGES (7)
C2: RENEGUES (8)
DC: REFUGEES (8)
Score: 1917–1936 (max 2162)

Ouchy, not nice to hear something like that, especially after playing for 13 hours straight.

Round 272: 11:57am: L H S R E E U T S

C1: HUSTLERS (8)
C2: RUTHLESS (8)
DC: SHELTERS (8) STREUSEL (8)
Score: 1925–1944 (max 2170)

HOUR 14: 12 noon - 1:00pm

Round 273: 12:00pm: V E Q E K A M D C

C1: macked
C2: CAKED (5)
DC: MEDEVAC (7)
Score: 1925–1949 (max 2177)

Well, the knife clearly wasn't macked. He might need a MEDEVAC though!

Round 274: 12:05pm: S N P D I E O S U

C1: DISPOSE (7)
C2: DOPINESS (8)
Score: 1925–1957 (max 2185)

And after that mini barrage, Innis suddenly widens the gap by a further 22 points in 3 rounds!!!

Round 275: 12:08pm: 100, 2, 9, 1, 5, 8. Target: 871.

C1: 871. (10)
C2: 871. Mistake in working.
One Way: ((100 + 9) x 8) - 1 (10)
Score: 1935–1957 (max 2195)

Oh dear, maybe all those letters have taken their toll on Innis' numbers games...........

Round 276: 12:17pm: P L Z L U I O L N

C1: LUPIN (5)
C2: PILL (4)
DC: POILU (5) PONZU (5) UNZIP (5)
Score: 1940–1957 (max 2200)

And the following letters too!!! Just 17 in it now.

Round 277: 12:21pm: S I T A V I P R U

C1: PURIST (6)
C2: UPSTAIR (7)
Score: 1940–1964 (max 2207)

Round 278: 12:23pm: C F T R I I O T I

C1: iritic
C2: TRICOT (6)
Score: 1940–1970 (max 2213)

Crisis? What Crisis?? Back to back darrens for Innis restores his lead to a score and a half.

Round 279: 12:26pm: S A S A H E B L S

C1: SLASHES (7)
C2: ABASHES (7)
DC: HASSLES (7)
Score: 1947–1977 (max 2220)

Round 280: 12:29pm: 75, 10, 10, 6, 9, 25. Target: 370.

C1: 370. (10)
C2: 370. (10)
One Way: (75 x 6) - (9 x 10) + 10 (10)
Score: 1957–1987 (max 2230)

Round 281: 12:33pm: D E F O R A N G S

C1: GROANED (7)
C2: GARDENS (7)
DC: DANGERS (7) DEFANGS (7) DEFRAGS (7) DRAGONS (7) FEDORAS (7) FORAGED (7) FORAGES (7) GANDERS (7) ONAGERS (7) ORANGES (7) SNARFED (7)
Score: 1964–1994 (max 2237)

Round 282: 12:35pm: N B J H E O E R T

C1: THEREON (7)
C2: THEREON (7)
Score: 1971–2001 (max 2244)

Round 283: 12:37pm: T E G A Y E T N R

C1: GRANTEE (7)
C2: REAGENT (7)
DC: ENTREATY (8)
Score: 1978–2008 (max 2252)

Round 284: 12:40pm: C D M M E I E R M

C1: DIMMER (6)
C2: DIMMER (6)
DC: CRIMED (6) RIMMED (6)
Score: 1984–2014 (max 2258)

Round 285: 12:42pm: 100, 75, 50, 25, 10, 3. Target: 541.

C1: 541. (10)
C2: 540.
One Way: ((100 + 75 + (50 / 25)) x 3) + 10 (10)
Score: 1994–2014 (max 2268)

A very impressive numbers solve from Mark, assuming it's the way "I" did it.

HOUR 15: 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Round 286: 1:01pm: R C G M U O E T T

C1: GOURMET (7)
C2: GOURMET (7)
Score: 2001–2021 (max 2275)

Round 287: 1:03pm: R A G A K E L U R

C1: REGULAR (7)
C2: REALGAR (7)
Score: 2008–2028 (max 2282)

Just when you think that you won't see REALGAR again, it comes up for a 2nd time in this marathon!!

Round 288: 1:06pm: S F B V I I E N A

C1: BASIN (5)
C2: VEINS (5)
DC: NAVIES (6)
Score: 2013–2033 (max 2288)

Round 289: 1:08pm: D E S O W A W N D

C1: SNOWED (6)
C2: DAWNED (6)
DC: ANODES (6) DEDANS (6) DEWANS (6) DOWNED (6) DOWSED (6) ENDOWS (6) SADDEN (6) SANDED (6) SODDEN (6)
Score: 2019–2039 (max 2294)

Round 290: 1:11pm: 75, 100, 10, 3, 4, 5. Target: 381.

C1: 381. (10)
C2: 381. (10)
One Way: (3 x 100) + 75 + 10 - 4 (10)
Score: 2029–2049 (max 2304)

Round 291: 1:14pm: T O X U P O D Q N

C1: POUND (5)
C2: POUND (5)
DC: OUTDO (5) TONDO (5)
Score: 2034–2054 (max 2309)

Round 292: 1:18pm: T R B T A A E F E

C1: BEREFT (6)
C2: ABETTER (7)
DC: TABARET (7)
Score: 2034–2061 (max 2316)

Innis tries to reassert his authority with "A BETTER" offering than Mark. (groans welcome)

Round 293: 1:20pm: S I V I T A P B I

C1: BAITS (5)
C2: BAITS (5)
DC: TIBIAS (6) VIBIST (6)
Score: 2039–2066 (max 2322)

Round 294: 1:22pm: Y H N J E E A N S

C1: HYENAS (6)
C2: HYENAS (6)
DC: HENNAS (6) SHANNY (6) SHEENY (6)
Score: 2045–2072 (max 2328)

Round 295: 1:24pm: 50, 8, 4, 3, 10, 5. Target: 147.

C1: 147. (10)
C2: 147. (10)
One Way: (50 x 3) - (8 - 5) (10)
Score: 2055–2082 (max 2338)

Round 296: 1:27pm: Z N V G E E E R O

C1: REVENGE (7)
C2: REVENGE (7)
DC: GENEVER (7)
Score: 2062–2089 (max 2345)

Round 297: 1:31pm: L I B U S I G K S

C1: SIGILS (6)
C2: BUSKS (5)
DC: SUSLIK (6)
Score: 2068–2089 (max 2351)

Another good 6 from Mark there.

Round 298: 1:34pm: W D R T E E E R I

C1: RETIRED (7)
C2: TWEEDIER (8)
Score: 2068–2097 (max 2359)

But, Innis counters immediately with a superb darrenic 8!!

Round 299: 1:36pm: R I P O L I L W T

C1: TRIPOLI (7)
C2: TRIPOLI (7)
DC: PILLWORT (8)
Score: 2075–2104 (max 2367)

Round 300: 1:39pm: 75, 50, 2, 6, 7, 8. Target: 544.

C1: 544. (10)
C2: 544. (10)
One Way: (75 x 8) - 50 - 6 (10)
Score: 2085–2114 (max 2377)

So, at the two-thirds mark, it is Innis with a lead of 29 as we head into the last 150 rounds............

Round 301: 1:42pm: T U N E R A G A I

C1: AERATING (8)
C2: AERATING (8)
Score: 2093–2122 (max 2385)

Round 302: 1:45pm: T D F S A O O R M

C1: DOORMATS (8)
C2: DOORMATS (8)
Score: 2101–2130 (max 2393)

Double darren time!!

Round 303: 1:47pm: R U Q E N O D T U

C1: RODENT (6)
C2: UNQUOTE (7)
DC: UNQUOTED (8)
Score: 2101–2137 (max 2401)

Hmmm, a good 7 from Innis, but you wonder why he didn't stick the D on the end?? (I'll say he was part tired/part "didn't realise there was a D".)

Round 304: 1:49pm: X P L N U I O D P

C1: DUPION (6)
C2: LUPOID (6)
DC: POPLIN (6) UNIPOD (6)
Score: 2107–2143 (max 2407)

Round 305: 1:51pm: 100, 75, 50, 25, 4, 10. Target: 446.

C1: 446. (10)
C2: 446. (10)
One Way: ((10 - 4) x 75) - (100 / 25) (10)
Score: 2117–2153 (max 2417)

That's 15 hours down, 10 to go.

PART 4 BELOW

[James Robinson]

So, it's Part 4, and we carry on at 2pm, and while I and loads of others start to commence downtime for the weekend, Mark and Innis were probably thinking of ways to keep each other sane after playing Countdown for 15 hours straight.

Here we go.

HOUR 16: 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Round 306: 2:03pm: S C D M U E O M O

C1: COMMODES (8)
C2: COMMODES (8)
Score: 2125–2161 (max 2425)

I think they both might need a COMMODE after this!!

Round 307: 2:06pm: C O S E D I M M T

C1: decommits
C2: DOMESTIC (8)
DC: IMMODEST (8)
Score: 2125–2169 (max 2433)

Ooooooh, so many reasonable risky 9's in this match!! They might have to make a new dictionary for these words!!

Round 308: 2:09pm: S S H C E U I C A

C1: SUCCAHS (7)
C2: CASHES (6)
DC: ACCUSES (7) CHAISES (7) CUISHES (7)
Score: 2132–2169 (max 2440)

Well, at least Mark has made up some points with his SUCCAHS.

And now we have a long pause of 47 minutes for some reason or other............

Round 309: 2:56pm: P I T O P U D M I

C1: OIDIUM (6)
C2: PODIUM (6)
DC: OPPIDUM (7)
Score: 2138–2175 (max 2447)

HOUR 17: 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Round 310: 3:02pm: 100, 75, 9, 3, 4, 6. Target: 279.

C1: 279. (10)
C2: 279. (10)
One Way: ((75 - 6) x 4) + 3 (10)
Score: 2148–2185 (max 2457)

Round 311: 3:04pm: L I B O S U H E R

C1: LOURIES (7)
C2: BLUSHER (7)
DC: RIBULOSE (8)
Score: 2155–2192 (max 2465)

Round 312: 3:20pm: F X R T O U O S A

C1: OUTROS (6)
C2: OUTFOX (6)
DC: FRUSTA (6) SOUTAR (6) STORAX (6) SURTAX (6)
Score: 2161–2198 (max 2471)

Round 313: 3:20pm: F O W E R E D Q G

C1: frogweed
C2: GORED (5)
DC: FORGED (6)
Score: 2161–2203 (max 2477)

Yet another word into the new dictionary.

Round 314: 3:21pm: D T S C A A A L E

C1: CASTLED (7)
C2: CATALASE (8)
Score: 2161–2211 (max 2485)

Another great darren from Innis and his lead now goes up to a half-century!!!

Round 315: 3:22pm: 100, 50, 75, 25, 10, 3. Target: 678.

C1: 678. (10)
C2: 678. (10)
One Way: (75 x 10) - 50 - 25 + 3 (10)
Score: 2171–2221 (max 2495)

Round 316: 3:25pm: S J W T O E A R L

C1: ALTERS (6)
C2: TROWELS (7)
DC: WASTREL (7)
Score: 2171–2228 (max 2502)

Innis digs in some more with his TROWELS as his lead is extended to 57 once more.

Round 317: 3:28pm: B E S E K O N L G

C1: ENGLOBES (8)
C2: BELONGS (7)
Score: 2179–2228 (max 2510)

But Mark will not be buried easily, as he ENGLOBES his opponent for a darrenic 8 straight away.

Round 318: 3:31pm: H V G R O U I N O

C1: VIGOUR (6)
C2: hooving
DC: HONOUR (6) OOHING (6) ROVING (6) VIGORO (6)
Score: 2185–2228 (max 2516)

And he claws back even more ground as Innis falls into the nasty HOOFING/hooving trap.............

Round 319: 3:33pm: N U S I T E T F N

C1: FUNNIEST (8)
C2: FUNNIEST (8)
Score: 2193–2236 (max 2524)

Round 320: 3:37pm: 25, 100, 3, 10, 3, 9. Target: 643.

C1: 643. (10)
C2: 643. (10)
One Way: ((100 + 3) x (9 - 3)) + 25 (10)
Score: 2203–2246 (max 2534)

Round 321: 3:40pm: C O S E N I Z T O

C1: SECTION (7)
C2: ENZOOTIC (8)
Score: 2203–2254 (max 2542)

That has definitely got to be one of the spots of the match!! And after playing for over 16 hours, that is some find from Innis!!!

Round 322: 3:43pm: S C B S I E E R R

C1: BERRIES (7)
C2: SCRIBERS (8)
Score: 2203–2262 (max 2550)

And he follows it up with another darrenic 8. A lead of 59 is now his.

Round 323: 3:45pm: N E R E D E N P R

C1: PREENED (7)
C2: PREENED (7)
DC: PREENER (7)
Score: 2210–2269 (max 2557)

Round 324: 3:47pm: V P N D A I I T E

C1: PAINTED (7)
C2: PAINTED (7)
DC: DEVIANT (7) INVITED (7)
Score: 2217–2276 (max 2564)

Round 325: 3:51pm: 9, 10, 3, 3, 7, 1. Target: 854.

C1: 853. (7)
C2: 855. (7)
RR: 854. (((9 + 3) x 10) + 3 - 1) x 7 (10)
Score: 2224–2283 (max 2574)

A trio of 7's including a 1 away in the numbers and the gap is maintained.

Round 326: 3:55pm: L Y G T I I U M D

C1: TIMIDLY (7)
C2: GUILTY (6)
Score: 2231–2283 (max 2581)

But, Mark TIMIDLY offers another good darren to cut the lead ever slightly to 52.

Round 327: 3:58pm: M E M E P I M O D

C1: MODEM (5)
C2: MIMED (5)
DC: IMPEDE (6)
Score: 2236–2288 (max 2587)

Another sleep deprived miss there from the 2.

HOUR 18: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Round 328: 4:02pm: P T N P O I E R E

C1: POINTER (7)
C2: PEPERONI (8)
DC: PEPERINO (8)
Score: 2236–2296 (max 2595)

But a phenomenal spot from Innis there!! Reminds me of the legendary CoC XII final between Paul Gallen and Mark Tournoff, although the conundrum in that final seemed to have an extra P in it.............

Round 329: 4:06pm: B A S O K A G A A

C1: BOAKS (5)
C2: BOAKS (5)
Score: 2241–2301 (max 2600)

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not quite like going to the dentist, but it's a horrible selection, and it's very impressive that both our heroes spot the only 5 there

Round 330: 4:08pm: 100, 25, 5, 4, 2, 8. Target: 775.

C1: 775. (10)
C2: 775. (10)
One Way: (8 x 100) - 25 (10)
Score: 2251–2311 (max 2610)

Probably the easiest numbers they've had all day!

Round 331: 4:10pm: D I M A P E D M V

C1: DIADEM (6)
C2: DIMMED (6)
DC: DAMMED (6) DAMPED (6) MAIMED (6) VAMPED (6)
Score: 2257–2317 (max 2616)

Round 332: 4:12pm: L G T H E A A R E

C1: LEATHER (7)
C2: LEATHER (7)
DC: HALTERE (7) HETAERA (7)
Score: 2264–2324 (max 2623)

Round 333: 4:15pm: R U R E R U W A S

C1: REARS (5)
C2: SWEAR (5)
DC: AUREUS (6) URAEUS (6) USURER (6)
Score: 2269–2329 (max 2629)

Hmmm, those are some nasty 6's not found there.......

Round 334: 4:17pm: B L T D A E E J R

C1: TREBLED (7)
C2: BLEATED (7)
DC: ALERTED (7) ALTERED (7) BELATED (7) BERATED (7) BLEARED (7) BLEATER (7) DEBATER (7) REBATED (7) RELATED (7) RETABLE (7) TREADLE (7)
Score: 2276–2336 (max 2636)

Round 335: 4:20pm: 75, 25, 100, 10, 7, 2. Target: 728.

C1: 728. (10)
C2: 727.
One Way: (100 + 10 - ((75 / 25) x 2)) x 7 (10)
Score: 2286–2336 (max 2646)

Well, the lead has now been downscaled to 50 thanks to Mark's numbers solve there. Can he muster something in the remaining 115 rounds to complete the greatest comeback of all time!!!???

Round 336: 4:30pm: Z W R F I U I S T

C1: FRUITS (6)
C2: FRUITS (6)
Score: 2292–2342 (max 2652)

Round 337: 4:32pm: D O G E B O T S C

C1: BOOSTED (7)
C2: BOOSTED (7)
DC: SCOOTED (7) STOOGED (7)
Score: 2299–2349 (max 2659)

Round 338: 4:36pm: S T N T U I E E I

C1: TINIEST (7)
C2: TINIEST (7)
DC: ENTITIES (8)
Score: 2306–2356 (max 2667)

Round 339: 4:39pm: N E T O S E S F I

C1: FITNESS (7)
C2: FITNESS (7)
DC: FINESSE (7) INFESTS (7) NOSIEST (7) SOFTENS (7) SOFTIES (7)
Score: 2313–2363 (max 2674)

Round 340: 4:42pm: 100, 25, 75, 2, 8, 7. Target: 806.

C1: 806. (10)
C2: 806. (10)
One Way: (8 x 100) + 7 + 2 - (75 / 25) (10)
Score: 2323–2373 (max 2684)

Round 341: 4:44pm: V O N E G I H S Y

C1: SHOVING (7)
C2: SHOVING (7)
DC: SHOEING (7)
Score: 2330–2380 (max 2691)

Well, that's 6 drawn rounds in a row now. Clearly the tiredness is still having little to no effect on our superhumans.

Round 342: 4:47pm: D N P M U O U M I

C1: IMPOUND (7)
C2: PODIUM (6)
Score: 2337–2380 (max 2698)

Well, that has IMPOUNDed the chance of 7 in a row, and with that Mark has dropped the lead below 50 for the first time since round 320.

Round 343: 4:53pm: L O C E L O S D R

C1: SCROLLED (8)
C2: SCROLLED (8)
Score: 2345–2388 (max 2706)

Round 344: 4:58pm: N C N X E A O R E

C1: CORNEA (6)
C2: CAREEN (6)
DC: ANNEXE (6) CANNER (6) CANOER (6) COAXER (6) ENCORE (6)
Score: 2351–2394 (max 2712)

HOUR 19: 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Round 345: 5:00pm: 75, 25, 50, 1, 2, 4. Target: 623.

C1: 623. (10)
C2: 623. (10)
One Way: ((75 - 50) x 25) - 2 (10)
Score: 2361–2404 (max 2722)

Round 346: 5:04pm: N K P N E A O M D

C1: MOANED (6)
C2: PANNED (6)
DC: DAEMON (6) DAMPEN (6) MANNED (6) MOPANE (6) PENMAN (6) POMADE (6)
Score: 2367–2410 (max 2728)

And after those flat rounds and a 45 minute wait, we now take to the airwaves for our next round, as Mark and Innis (well, primarily Mark) make an appearance on PM on Radio 4, where host Eddie Mair gives them the letters.

Round 347: 5:49pm: T I P A R S E I F

C1: APERITIFS (18)
C2: APERITIFS (18)
Score: 2385–2428 (max 2746)

Well, that's not a bad little booster, isn't it!!?? Maybe they should have given up some more time to get some more letters in.

And if that's not all, our beloved Rachel has now upped the donation fee from a fiver to a fiver SQUARED!!! Yes, that's right, now £25 per 9er from here on out!!! What a girl.

Round 348: 5:55pm: B H T I U U E S S

C1: BUSHIEST (8)
C2: BUSHIEST (8)
Score: 2393–2436 (max 2754)

Round 349: 5:57pm: V O G E F I X S D

C1: OXIDES (6)
C2: VIDEOS (6)
DC: DOGIES (6) DOXIES (6) FODIES (6) FOGIES (6) FOXIES (6) OGIVES (6)
Score: 2399–2442 (max 2760)

Round 350: 5:59pm: 100, 25, 75, 9, 1, 2. Target: 529.

C1: 529. (10)
C2: 531.
One Way: ((9 - 2) x 75) + (100 / 25) (10)
Score: 2409–2442 (max 2770)

All of a sudden, Mark seems to have been completely reinvigorated!!! An almost unsightly lead of 60 a few rounds ago has now been dwindled down to just 33..........

And now, we enter the final phase!! JUST 100 ROUNDS TO GO NOW!!!!

HOUR 20: 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Round 351: 6:01pm: R U S U M A T Z P

C1: TRUMPS (6)
C2: TRAMPS (6)
DC: RUMPUS (6) SPUTUM (6) STRUMA (6)
Score: 2415–2448 (max 2776)

Round 352: 6:05pm: N L C L E E I N J

C1: LINEN (5)
C2: LINEN (5)
DC: CLINE (5) NIECE (5)
Score: 2420–2453 (max 2781)

Round 353: 6:07pm: S O D I C A B M W

C1: MOSAIC (6)
C2: MIAOWS (6)
DC: COMBIS (6) WISDOM (6)
Score: 2426–2459 (max 2787)

Round 354: 6:09pm: C R D T A I U P A

C1: carita
C2: CARAT (5)
DC: ACARID (6) CARDIA (6) CARIAD (6) DATURA (6) PATRIA (6) PUTRID (6)
Score: 2426–2464 (max 2793)

Oooooh, bad luck for Mark there. It seemed very plausible to me, I have a feeling I've made the same mistake in the past too........

Round 355: 6:12pm: 75, 100, 9, 2, 8, 25. Target: 658.

C1: 658. (10)
C2: 658. (10)
One Way: (9 x 75) - 25 + 8 (10)
Score: 2436–2474 (max 2803)

Round 356: 6:17pm: R N D T E E E N I

C1: INTERNED (8)
C2: INTENDER (8)
DC: INDENTER (8) INTERNEE (8)
Score: 2444–2482 (max 2811)

Round 357: 6:33pm: N O G E M O L W S

C1: WOOLMEN (7)
C2: MONGOLS (7)
Score: 2451–2489 (max 2818)

Round 358: 6:35pm: L Q N T A O E D L

C1: TALONED (7)
C2: TALONED (7)
Score: 2458–2496 (max 2825)

Round 359: 6:37pm: G A F E H O B R R

C1: FORAGER (7)
C2: FORAGER (7)
DC: BEGORRA (7) FORBEAR (7)
Score: 2465–2503 (max 2832)

Round 360: 6:40pm: 75, 25, 1, 3, 7, 9. Target: 810.

C1: 810. (10)
C2: 810. (10)
One Way: (75 + 25 - 7 - 3) x 9 (10)
Score: 2475–2513 (max 2842)

Round 361: 6:44pm: R A R U T E G S O

C1: SURROGATE (18)
C2: SURROGATE (18)
Score: 2493–2531 (max 2860)

Yet another donation of £25 from the Bank of Riley.

Round 362: 6:47pm: S V T Y A E O T P

C1: TEAPOTS (7)
C2: TEAPOTS (7)
DC: TEAPOYS (7)
Score: 2500–2538 (max 2867)

Round 363: 6:51pm: N E M A N A D K T

C1: MANDATE (7)
C2: MANDATE (7)
DC: ANDANTE (7)
Score: 2507–2545 (max 2874)

Round 364: 6:57pm: R R D L U O O L E

C1: DROLLER (7)
C2: ROLLED (6)
Score: 2514–2545 (max 2881)

After 9 rounds of neutrality, Mark takes us down a DROLLER avenue, but it's good for him, as he has cut down the lead yet again.

This is also now at the completion of TWENTY HOURS!!!! A-MAZ-ING!!!!!

That's 20 hours down, 5 to go.

THE 5th AND FINAL PART BELOW

[James Robinson]

So, it's Part 5, and we recommence at 2pm, and while I and loads of others enjoy the first part of our weekend, Mark and Innis enter the final phases of this mammoth endeavour.

Here we go.

HOUR 21: 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Round 365: 7:02pm: 100, 25, 75, 7, 3, 1. Target: 595.

C1: 596. (7)
C2: 594. (7)
RR: 595. (((25 x 75) - (100 - 7)) / 3) + 1 (10)
Score: 2521–2552 (max 2891)

Round 366: 7:04pm: C R D T E A U P B

C1: CAPTURED (8)
C2: CAPTURED (8)
Score: 2529–2560 (max 2899)

Round 367: 7:06pm: C A D U M U F V G

C1: VACUUM (6)
C2: VACUUM (6)
Score: 2535–2566 (max 2905)

Round 368: 7:08pm: L W N C E O E J N

C1: JEWEL (5)
C2: CLOWN (5)
DC: CLONE (5) LEONE (5) NEWEL (5) NONCE (5)
Score: 2540–2571 (max 2910)

Hmmm, I always wondered why "JEWEL in the CLOWN" was never a success like its predecessor.

Round 369: 7:13pm: S O M E T O Y P O

C1: STOMPY (6)
C2: OSTOMY (6)
DC: MYOPES (6) POTOOS (6) TEMPOS (6)
Score: 2546–2577 (max 2916)

Yes, that is SOME "TYPO".

Round 370: 7:16pm: 75, 25, 9, 6, 2, 8. Target: 179.

C1: 179. (10)
C2: 179. (10)
One Way: (2 x 25) + 75 + (9 x 6) (10)
Score: 2556–2587 (max 2926)

Round 371: 7:18pm: T E T E R O L L A

C1: TOLERATE (8)
C2: TOLERATE (8)
DC: ALLOTTEE (8)
Score: 2564–2595 (max 2934)

Round 372: 7:20pm: P T K A E I D N E

C1: PAINTED (7)
C2: PAINTED (7)
Score: 2571–2602 (max 2941)

Round 373: 7:24pm: M A N I D E S X Z

C1: MAIDENS (7)
C2: MAIDENS (7)
DC: ADMIXES (7) MEDIANS (7) MEDINAS (7) SIDEMAN (7)
Score: 2578–2609 (max 2948)

Round 374: 7:26pm: N N R S E E I N O

C1: SINNER (6)
C2: SENIOR (6)
DC: NERINES (7)
Score: 2584–2615 (max 2955)

Round 375: 7:29pm: 50, 75, 25, 3, 3, 7. Target: 898.

C1: 899. (7)
C2: 897. (7)
RR: 898. ((7 - 3) x 3 x 75) - (50 / 25) (10)
Score: 2591–2622 (max 2965)

Round 376: 7:45pm: B M G T A O E D F

C1: FOAMED (6)
C2: BOATED (6)
DC: BODEGA (6) DOTAGE (6) MOATED (6)
Score: 2597–2628 (max 2971)

Round 377: 7:47pm: H I N E T E Q W S

C1: WHITENS (7)
C2: WHITENS (7)
Score: 2604–2635 (max 2978)

Round 378: 7:49pm: R S V R O I I A R

C1: ROARS (5)
C2: ROARS (5)
DC: ARRIS (5) ARVOS (5) IORAS (5) ORRIS (5) VISOR (5)
Score: 2609–2640 (max 2983)

Round 379: 7:51pm: P I T A S E T S H

C1: PASTIEST (8)
C2: PASTIEST (8)
DC: ATHEISTS (8) HASTIEST (8) STAITHES (8)
Score: 2617–2648 (max 2991)

The standard in letters is still extraordinary.

Round 380: 7:54pm: 50, 25, 1, 1, 10, 8. Target: 468.

C1: 468. (10)
C2: 468. (10)
One Way: (25 + 1) x (10 + 8) (10)
Score: 2627–2658 (max 3001)

Round 381: 7:56pm: S O F A R O S G A

C1: AGORAS (6)
C2: AGORAS (6)
DC: SAGARS (6)
Score: 2633–2664 (max 3007)

HOUR 22: 8:00pm - 9:00pm

Round 382: 8:00pm: R H F G I I O Q Z

C1: FROG (4)
C2: FROG (4)
DC: FIQH (4) FRIG (4) GIRO (4) GORI (4) ZORI (4)
Score: 2637–2668 (max 3011)

Crikey Blimey!!!! A frenzy of 4's. Probably not too surprising with a Q and a Z in the selection!! Not what you wanted to see at the 21 hour mark!!

Round 383: 8:02pm: R E M E V A R E O

C1: OVERARM (7)
C2: OVERARM (7)
DC: EVERMORE (8)
Score: 2644–2675 (max 3019)

Round 384: 8:07pm: R B R N E U O L B

C1: RUBBER (6)
C2: BURNER (6)
DC: BURBLER (7) NOBBLER (7)
Score: 2650–2681 (max 3026)

Round 385: 8:09pm: 75, 100, 25, 10, 7, 7. Target: 864.

C1: 864. (10)
C2: 864. (10)
One Way: (75 x 10) + 100 + 7 + 7 (10)
Score: 2660–2691 (max 3036)

Round 386: 8:11pm: S D T S E A O S W

C1: SWEATS (6)
C2: ASSETS (6)
DC: DOSSES (6) DOWSES (6) SASSED (6) STEADS (6) STOWED (6) TASSES (6) TAWSES (6) TOSSED (6) TOSSES (6) WASTED (6) WASTES (6)
Score: 2666–2697 (max 3042)

Round 387: 8:13pm: H U T I T O N J C

C1: OUTHIT (6)
C2: TOUCH (5)
DC: CHITON (6)
Score: 2672–2697 (max 3048)

Well, well, well. Mark has OUTHIT Innis once again, and now the commanding lead is down to a paltry 25 points. Has Innis hit the wall???

Round 388: 8:15pm: C T R T A O I L U

C1: TUTORIAL (8)
C2: TUTORIAL (8)
Score: 2680–2705 (max 3056)

Maybe these guys should bring out a TUTORIAL on how to do endurance Countdowning.

Round 389: 8:17pm: S E N O K U L T D

C1: NODULES (7)
C2: LOUDEST (7)
DC: KNOUTED (7) LOUDENS (7) SNOUTED (7) STONKED (7) TOUSLED (7)
Score: 2687–2712 (max 3063)

Round 390: 8:19pm: 100, 25, 4, 10, 7, 7. Target: 672.

C1: 672. (10)
C2: 672. (10)
One Way: (100 - 4) x 7 (10)
Score: 2697–2722 (max 3073)

Round 391: 8:21pm: N E G A X E P S R

C1: ENRAGES (7)
C2: EXPANSE (7)
DC: PRESAGE (7) REGEXPS (7)
Score: 2704–2729 (max 3080)

Round 392: 8:23pm: M D S R I U U S T

C1: RUDISTS (7)
C2: triduums
DC: SISTRUM (7) TRIDUUM (7) TRISMUS (7) TRUISMS (7)
Score: 2711–2729 (max 3087)

Ouch, now realising the serious threat of this late surge from Mark, Innis tries an not unreasonable guess with triduums, but unfortunately for him, it's not pluralisable.

HOUR 23: 9:00pm - 10:00pm

Another gap has emerged, it's nearly an hour since we've had some action.......... What the heck is going on now???

But wait!! Now we seem to have a lovely, young blonde heading into the play area.................

Why, I cannot believe my eyes!!! IT'S RACHEL!!!!!!!

Round 393: 9:19pm: W U D A L E L F A

C1: ALLUDE (6)
C2: LAWFUL (6)
DC: DEWFALL (7)
Score: 2717–2735 (max 3094)

Round 394: 9:21pm: G W N V A O U O I

C1: AVOWING (7)
C2: AVOWING (7)
Score: 2724–2742 (max 3101)

Round 395: 9:27pm: 75, 100, 25, 3, 10, 8. Target: 571.

C1: 572. (7)
C2: 570. (7)
RR: 571. ((75 - (100 / 25)) x 8) + 3 (10)
Score: 2731–2749 (max 3111)

Round 396: 9:29pm: M C T P I I E D E

C1: EMPTIED (7)
C2: EIDETIC (7)
DC: EPIDEMIC (8)
Score: 2738–2756 (max 3119)

Round 397: 9:31pm: M I R A P I S B N

C1: IMPAIRS (7)
C2: IMPAIRS (7)
DC: MINIBARS (8)
Score: 2745–2763 (max 3127)

An EPIDEMIC of MINIBARS!!! Well, no matter how hard the hotels try, I'm not going in one of those ridiculous money spinners!!!

Round 398: 9:33pm: S P F D E O A N Y

C1: DAPSONE (7)
C2: DYSPNOEA (8)
Score: 2745–2771 (max 3135)

Well, did I speak too soon??? Yet another magnificent darren from Innis there. His lead increases up to 26, with twice that many rounds to go.

Round 399: 9:36pm: N E L I D I B E G

C1: INEDIBLE (8)
C2: INEDIBLE (8)
DC: BLEEDING (8)
Score: 2753–2779 (max 3143)

Round 400: 9:37pm: 100, 8, 1, 1, 3, 25. Target: 349.

C1: 349. (10)
C2: 349. (10)
One Way: ((100 + 8) x 3) + 25 (10)
Score: 2763–2789 (max 3153)

So, as we hit round 400, the gaps remains at 26, as we now begin THE FINAL FIFTY rounds!!!!

Round 401: 9:39pm: S A N E Q U W D N

C1: DUENNAS (7)
C2: SWANNED (7)
Score: 2770–2796 (max 3160)

Round 402: 9:40pm: G F T W E E O L F

C1: TOFFEE (6)
C2: TOFFEE (6)
Score: 2776–2802 (max 3166)

Round 403: 9:41pm: R O R A G E T S I

C1: ROTARIES (8)
C2: ROTARIES (8)
Score: 2784–2810 (max 3174)

Round 404: 9:42pm: S T S L I O O E N

C1: OILSTONES (18)
C2: OILSTONES (18)
Score: 2802–2828 (max 3192)

Yet another 9er scored, and our beloved Rachel has now upped the donation fee again, from a measly £25 to a staggering £50 Yes, that's right, now £50 per 9er from here on out!!! What a girl.

Round 405: 9:45pm: 50, 100, 25, 2, 10, 9. Target: 807.

C1: 807. (10)
C2: 807. (10)
One Way: ((10 - 2) x 100) + 9 - (50 / 25) (10)
Score: 2812–2838 (max 3202)

Round 406: 9:46pm: L C T T O A I G S

C1: SALOTTI (7)
C2: ALTOIST (7)
DC: GALIOTS (7) GLOTTIC (7) GLOTTIS (7) STOICAL (7)
Score: 2819–2845 (max 3209)

Round 407: 9:48pm: P A V A N E A N Q

C1: PAVANE (6)
C2: PAVANE (6)
Score: 2825–2851 (max 3215)

Now then............. at least their eyesight is still up to scratch.

Round 408: 9:48pm: R R R N U I I U S

C1: RUINS (5)
C2: RUINS (5)
Score: 2830–2856 (max 3220)

Round 409: 9:50pm: D A B O B E C N E

C1: BEACON (6)
C2: BEACON (6)
DC: BEANED (6) CABBED (6) CANOED (6) DEACON (6) DEBONE (6) DECANE (6) ENCODE (6) NABBED (6)
Score: 2836–2862 (max 3226)

Round 410: 9:52pm: 100, 25, 3, 7, 7, 9. Target: 861.

C1: 861. (10)
C2: 861. (10)
One Way: (100 + 25 - (9 - 7)) x 7 (10)
Score: 2846–2872 (max 3236)

That's a double dozen of maxes in a row. I wonder if the Rachel factor has kicked in?

Round 411: 9:54pm: S E X U M O R E L

C1: MUREXES (7)
C2: RESOLE (6)
Score: 2853–2872 (max 3243)

Well, that run is ended by another entry into the Deeks-tionary. :p

But, let's put it this way, that's not the main talking point of this round.......

Round 412: 9:55pm: J C H M U I O Z O

C1: MOOCH (5)
C2: MOOCH (5)
DC: HUMIC (5) MUCHO (5) OHMIC (5)
Score: 2858–2877 (max 3248)

Round 413: 9:56pm: T A P I T I V A E

C1: VITIATE (7)
C2: VITIATE (7)
DC: APATITE (7)
Score: 2865–2884 (max 3255)

Round 414: 9:58pm: H D D S I E E T A

C1: HEADIEST (8)
C2: HEADIEST (8)
DC: HEADTIES (8) STEADIED (8)
Score: 2873–2892 (max 3263)

Round 415: 9:59pm: 75, 100, 50, 10, 3, 3. Target: 301.

C1: 301. (10)
C2: 301. (10)
One Way: ((75 - (50 / 10) - 3) x 3) + 100 (10)
Score: 2883–2902 (max 3273)

HOUR 24: 10:00pm - 11:00pm

Round 416: 10:02pm: R M R M E E E R T

C1: meeter
C2: meeter
DC: EMMER (5) EMMET (5) MERER (5) METER (5) METRE (5)
Score: 2883–2902 (max 3278)

Ouchy, you can't be a meeter it seems. Clearly those people who claim to be "meeters and greeters" have been conning me all these years!!

Round 417: 10:03pm: K A S A P A D A E

C1: ESPADA (6)
C2: ESPADA (6)
Score: 2889–2908 (max 3284)

Round 418: 10:06pm: S W T M I O O M E

C1: TWOSOME (7)
C2: MIMEOS (6)
Score: 2896–2908 (max 3291)

Who fancies a TWOSOME? Mark clearly does, and he has now cut the gap to just a dozen points!!!! This is some truly remarkable stuff.

Round 419: 10:08pm: R I R A S O F R E

C1: SORRIER (7)
C2: SORRIER (7)
DC: FARRIERS (8)
Score: 2903–2915 (max 3299)

Round 420: 10:09pm: 50, 9, 8, 3, 4, 25. Target: 352.

C1: 352. (10)
C2: 352. (10)
One Way: (50 - (9 - 3)) x 8 (10)
Score: 2913–2925 (max 3309)

Round 421: 10:11pm: S U L A R A D E T

C1: ADULATES (8)
C2: ADULATES (8)
Score: 2921–2933 (max 3317)

Round 422: 10:12pm: P N S C I I A K S

C1: SNACKS (6)
C2: PANICS (6)
DC: PISCINAS (8)
Score: 2927–2939 (max 3325)

Hmmm, this reminds me about that urban myth about when you were supposedly not supposed to go into a swimming pool when you've had something to eat with the past 20 minutes. Nice little nerdy titbit for you to digest upon.

Round 423: 10:14pm: S E G E L E T I M

C1: ELEGISE (7)
C2: GIMLETS (7)
DC: ELEGIES (7) ELEGIST (7)
Score: 2934–2946 (max 3332)

Round 424: 10:17pm: M S C T O U E S A

C1: COSTUMES (8)
C2: COSTUMES (8)
Score: 2942–2954 (max 3340)

Round 425: 10:19pm: 75, 25, 2, 5, 1, 100. Target: 779.

C1: 780. (7)
C2: 780. (7)
One Way For One Away: (((75 x 2) + 1) x 5) + 25 (7)
Score: 2949–2961 (max 3347)

Round 426: 10:20pm: N H G F I O U N R

C1: GRUNION (7)
C2: GRUNION (7)
DC: HORNING (7)
Score: 2956–2968 (max 3354)

Round 427: 10:23pm: W A P A C E L F E

C1: PALEFACE (8)
C2: PALACE (6)
Score: 2964–2968 (max 3362)

WOWEE!!! What a spot and what a time to get it!!! Mark has come from literally nowhere a couple of hours ago, and now finds himself just 4 points behind Innis!!! :O :O :O

How soon till he takes the lead, I wonder...........???

Round 428: 10:24pm: Z G J D O I O L B

C1: IGLOO (5)
C2: GLOBOID (7)
Score: 2964–2975 (max 3369)

Well, as per normal, I seem to have got ahead of myself again, as Innis pulls off an impressive darren of his own to extend his lead back into double figures.

Appropriately enough, it's now a lead of 11 with 22 rounds to go.

Round 429: 10:26pm: L I G E R U R V Y

C1: UGLIER (6)
C2: LIVERY (6)
DC: VIRGULE (7)
Score: 2970–2981 (max 3376)

Round 430: 10:28pm: 75, 50, 7, 1, 6, 9. Target: 640.

C1: 640. (10)
C2: 640. (10)
One Way: ((75 + 1) x 9) + 6 - 50 (10)
Score: 2980–2991 (max 3386)

Round 431: 10:30pm: P O R A T E H A I

C1: HETAIRA (7)
C2: HETAIRA (7)
Score: 2987–2998 (max 3393)

Round 432: 10:35pm: S N V N O A U Q U

C1: NOUNS (5)
C2: NOUNS (5)
DC: NOVAS (5) NUNUS (5)
Score: 2992–3003 (max 3398)

And Innis hits 3,000 points!! Just phenomenal stuff.

Round 433: 10:37pm: R E T I T I D D X

C1: EDITRIX (7)
C2: EDITRIX (7)
DC: DIRTIED (7)
Score: 2999–3010 (max 3405)

Round 434: 10:38pm: T P T N E A E N I

C1: PENITENT (8)
C2: PENITENT (8)
Score: 3007–3018 (max 3413)

And another double darren brings up Mark's triple millennium too.

Round 435: 10:40pm: 25, 50, 9, 2, 1, 100. Target: 773.

C1: 773. (10)
C2: 773. (10)
One Way: ((50 + 25) x 9) + 100 - 2 (10)
Score: 3017–3028 (max 3423)

The maxes are still piling up, and with 15 rounds to go now, it's basically now a normal game of Countdown. (Well, it was 4 weeks ago. )

Round 436: 10:41pm: B B D D E E I N T

C1: INDEBTED (8)
C2: DEBITED (7)
Score: 3025–3028 (max 3431)

And it's a perfect start to the day for Mark, as that darrenic 8 cuts Innis' lead down to just 3 whole points. TRULY JAW-DROPPING STUFF!!!!

Round 437: 10:43pm: T O G I L U M U R

C1: TURMOIL (7)
C2: TURMOIL (7)
Score: 3032–3035 (max 3438)

No TURMOIL for our contestants, just more darrens.

Round 438: 10:44pm: L N H N I E O C O

C1: HELICON (7)
C2: CHOLINE (7)
Score: 3039–3042 (max 3445)

And now cool anagrams to boot!!

Just think that these guys have now been up for over TWENTY FOUR HOURS now!!!! They must be drained beyond belief, but they're still fighting tiredness for your support and donations!!

GOD BLESS THEM BOTH!!!

Round 439: 10:46pm: M E Z U L I N E J

C1: NEUME (5)
C2: LINE (4)
DC: ELEMI (5) ILEUM (5) LIMEN (5) LUMEN (5) MIZEN (5) MULIE (5)
Score: 3044–3042 (max 3450)

HE'S ONLY GONE AND DONE IT!!!! Take a bow (if you can, Mr. Deeks), this is without doubt the comeback of all comebacks, and while the result won't have any significance, it's quite an achievement to come back from 60 points down against someone of Innis' calibre and take the lead, as Mark has done. Tiredness or no tiredness, that is ULTRA AWESOME!!!!!!!

Round 440: 10:47pm: 75, 6, 6, 7, 5, 50. Target: 946.

C1: 946. (10)
C2: 946. (10)
One Way: ((75 + 50 + 5) x 7) + (6 x 6) (10)
Score: 3054–3052 (max 3460)

Now that is a truly awesome numbers solve (assuming they both solved it that way of course.)

NOW WE ENTER THE FINAL 10 ROUNDS. Mark has a lead of TWO points, as we head into the last stages.

Don't forget, we will finish on a conundrum, just to make it a true Countdown game, not that the ratio of 359:90:1 would suggest that!!

Round 441: 10:48pm: L E Y O B A D B B

C1: BLABBED (7)
C2: BLOBBED (7)
DC: BABBLED (7) BOBBLED (7)
Score: 3061–3059 (max 3467)

They may have BLABBED and BLOBBED, but they haven't BABBLED and BOBBLED. Carry on, you mighty heroes!!

Round 442: 10:49pm: D T N R E E E R S

C1: TENDERERS (18)
C2: TENDERERS (18)
Score: 3079–3077 (max 3485)

Yet another 9. I make that the 15th that these 2 have spotted, and amazingly, only the first one (PARTERRES) is the only one not spotted by either player!!!! They clearly have an eye for a 9.

Round 443: 10:51pm: R E T O X A Q T P

C1: EXPORT (6)
C2: EXPORT (6)
DC: EXTORT (6) PATTER (6) POTTER (6) PROTEA (6) ROTATE (6) TEAPOT (6)
Score: 3085–3083 (max 3491)

I think we'll just EXPORT that flat round away.

Round 444: 10:52pm: W R V S U E I R O

C1: WORRIES (7)
C2: REOVIRUS (8)
Score: 3085–3091 (max 3499)

WOAH! WOAH!! WOAH!!! WHAT A SPOT!!!! Innis pulls out his trump card and comes out with a mindblower of a darren, and if that's not a way to retake the lead, I don't know what is!!

Round 445: 10:55pm: 50, 2, 9, 3, 9, 1. Target: 730.

C1: 723.
C2: 730. (10)
One Way: (((50 - 9) x 9) - 3 - 1) x 2 (10)
Score: 3085–3101 (max 3509)

NICE! NICE!! NICE!!! Another awesome solve from Innis, and all of a sudden, he seems to have pulled away again. He now leads by 16 heading into our FINAL 5.

Round 446: 10:56pm: R G P D I A O C D

C1: PICADOR (7)
C2: podagric
DC: PARODIC (7)
Score: 3092–3101 (max 3516)

OUCH! OUCH!! OUCH!!! That is super bad luck for Innis. In the old days, podagric was as brilliant an 8 as you could possibly get, but unfortunately time has not been kind and it now finds itself in the lingual scrapheap.

Good news for Mark though, as Innis' lead is back down into single figures again.

Round 447: 10:58pm: R U D I T A D A O

C1: AUDITOR (7)
C2: AUDITOR (7)
Score: 3099–3108 (max 3523)

Another simple darren for the pair. Just one of each left now.

Round 448: 10:59pm: G F T S E E O W H

C1: TOWHEES (7)
C2: FEWEST (6)
Score: 3106–3108 (max 3530)

And it's Mark who spots the darren shrinking the lead back down to 2 points!!! WHAT A FINISH THIS IS GOING TO BE!!!!

HOUR 25: 11:00pm - 12 midnight

Round 449: 11:00pm: 25, 3, 9, 1, 2, 7. Target: 327.

C1: 327. (10)
C2: 327. (10)
One Way: ((9 + 3 + 1) x 25) + 2 (10)
Score: 3116–3118 (max 3540)

The numbers game is super straightforward, just as we hoped.

BUT NOW, AMAZINGLY, AND I'M NOT REALLY SURE IF WE THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN, BUT WITH THE GAP AT JUST 2 POINTS, WE HAVE OURSELVES A CRUCIAL CONUNDRUM.

So, it was back to the theatre with Mark Watson and his other guests, and after being informed of the scores, and with the audience in complete suspense, Rachel sorted out the conundrum (supplied by Damian) on her Countdown board that she brought down with her for the most crucial conundrum that there has ever been!!!

And with the piano buzzers (yes, they used other ends of a piano as buzzers!!), the stage was set!!!

Round 450: 11:25pm: W E R E L A P S E

C2 buzzes on 1 second to say SLEEPWEAR which is correct.
Final Score: 3116–3128 (max 3550)

And after a little pause from when Innis presses his keys, it is revealed that he has got the right answer!!!

So, after 359 letters games, 90 numbers rounds and 1 conundrum, we have our champion, the brilliant Innis Carson.

But, as we all know, the result was insignificant, compared to the fact that they were a) playing for pretty much 25 hours straight, and b) raised nearly £3,000 for Comic Relief.

But, from a statistical point of view, this is just UN-BELIEV-ABLE!!!!! The fact that these guys maxed about 80% of the rounds each, and the quality of words and numbers solving that has been done during the whole 25 hours is of an exceptionally high standard, and both Mark and Innis have done Apterous proud too.

Maybe if we have something similar in 2 years time for the 27th anniversary, maybe we should get another 2 players to do 27 hours of Countdown, as it's fair to say that this has proved to be a fantastic idea, and I think it definitely needs to be repeated in the future.

So, I hope that this has been a fitting enough tribute to our 2 goliaths, and I'll see you all soon for another recap.

So, till then, keep on donating, and see you around.

Statistics Corner

Mark:
Total score - 3116
Raw score - 3316
Total % of max - 87.77
Raw % of max - 93.41
Total average score per round - 6.92
Raw average score per round - 7.37
Number of maxes - 360

Innis:
Total score - 3128
Raw score - 3316
Total % of max - 88.11
Raw % of max - 93.41
Total average score per round - 6.95
Raw average score per round - 7.37
Number of maxes - 359

[Jon O'Neill]

You never cease to amaze me.

[Mark Deeks]

FWIW, I didn't really guess SIDEBOOB in that round. I declared first and only have 7 (BOOBIES), then AFTER innis outscored me I asked him to put my declaration is as that.

Great effort, James!

[James Robinson]

FWIW, I didn't really guess SIDEBOOB in that round. I declared first and only have 7 (BOOBIES), then AFTER innis outscored me I asked him to put my declaration is as that.

Great effort, James!

That's OK, I'll alter that.

You never cease to amaze me.

Well, I aim to please.

[Mark Deeks]

Reading back those last rounds gave me a nice warm feeling. They were pretty amped. I hope Innis won't mind me mentioning that he was as into is as I've ever seen him into anything - the surrealness of the whole thing (especially with Rachel dealing), the closeness of the score, the intensity. And after having mostly matched each other for 24 hours, to trade blows in those last few with some quality spots (Especially from Innis: REOVIRUS!) at such a late stage in such a strange scenario when we were simultaneously trying our hardest and rushing through it a bit was pretty unforgettable. Ahhh, memories. To be honest, I can remember each round, and so many have a story of their own. Hope I don't forget them.

[Mark Deeks]

Maybe if we have something similar in 2 years time for the 27th anniversary, maybe we should get another 2 players to do 27 hours of Countdown, as it's fair to say that this has proved to be a fantastic idea, and I think it definitely needs to be repeated in the future.

Well, we would do it again, and never say never. But I suspect we likely won't. And we won't for one simple yet infallible reason: how could we possibly do it better?

[Rhys Benjamin]

Is it Mrs Gilbert or Ms Riley?

[Charlie Reams]

This is impressive.

[Johnny Canuck]

Kudos to James, who must have spent at least 25 hours making that recap himself.

The raw scores were IDENTICAL

[Andy Platt]

Awesome stuff, nice one James.

[Jack Worsley]

Great effort, James! Must have taken you ages to write that.

[Mark Ivey]

Hats off to you James, an excellent recap of an excellent event.

[Sam Cappleman-Lynes]

Thoroughly enjoyed reading through this, especially as I couldn't follow it all while it was happening. Mega kudos to all involved.

I feel a bit mean saying this now, especially in my first post here... In the proposed solution for round 365, you should add the 1 on at the end, not subtract it. Sorry!

[James Robinson]

I feel a bit mean saying this now, especially in my first post here... In the proposed solution for round 365, you should add the 1 on at the end, not subtract it. Sorry!

That's perfectly fine, Sam. Definitely correct, and needed altering.

And welcome to the forum.

[Mark Deeks]

MEETER is valid on Apterous and always has been. CONTROVERSY.

[Graeme Cole]

MEETER is valid on Apterous and always has been. CONTROVERSY.

Valid now, but wasn't then. Looks like it's been added since 22 March.

[Mark Deeks]

Well then I think we should claim it. 6 points and an extra max onto the total please