University Challenge 2015-16: Semi-Final 1: Peterhouse vs York

Evening all. Well, what a series it's been so far, and with only the semis and the final remaining, the fun isn't over yet! Tonight, we'd find out the first of this year's finalists; the winners would deservedly go through to the final in two show's time, the runners-up would exit with dignity. Given the performances these two teams had given so far, some might have thought of tonight's match as the title decider.

Peterhouse got here via a narrow win over Glasgow in Round 1, a more comfy win over St George's of London in Round 2, and victories over York (who they met again tonight) and St John's to reach the semis undefeated. They were unchanged from before:
Thomas Langley, from Newcastle, studying History
Oscar Powell, from York, studying Geological Sciences
Captain: Hannah Woods, from Manchester, studying History
Julian Sutcliffe, from Reading, studying History

York defeated Manchester in a huge first round shock, before comfortably disposing of Christ's of Cambridge in the second round, as well as St Catharine's and Imperial in the semis, their only slip-up so far being the loss to Peterhouse. They too weren't changed from before:
Barto Joly de Lotbiniere, from London, studying History
Sam Smith, from Guernsey, studying Chemistry
Captain: David Landon Cole, from Yeovil, studying Politics
Joseph McLoughlin, from Oldham, studying Chemistry

Off we set again then, and York kicked off the match with Mr Cole taking the first starter, but just one bonus on film, though they were unlucky to miss the other two. A slip-up from Peterhouse allowed York to take a second starter and one bonus in a row. A second penalty for Peterhouse went untaken by York, but they took the next starter, though no bonuses this time. The first picture round, on language family trees, allowed Peterhouse to open their account, but they still trailed 40-5.

A second starter in a row went the Cambridge side's way, but the bonuses proved tricky, and they got nothing from them. A penalty from York gave them further chance to close in, but they couldn't take it. Peterhouse were then controversially penalised for an 'interruption' where Paxo had read out the main question, but not the extra info afterwards; can't see Weaver's Week liking that very much. York took advantage, and took a full bonus set.

The music round, on operatic pieces requiring low bass singing, went to York, who took one bonus, which upped their lead to 75-10. Peterhouse fought back with Miss Woods slightly mispronouncing her answer, but Paxo knew what she meant; again, just the one bonus followed, and another was humourously missed! A second starter in a row went to Peterhouse, but a tricky particle physics bonus set proved no use. The Cambridge side seemed to have gathered momentum now, though, as Mr Powell took a third starter in a row, and two bonuses on rarely used railway stations followed.

The second picture round, on actresses playing male roles in Shakespeare, went to Peterhouse, who took just one bonus again, but it was enough to reduce the gap to 75-70. Another starter gave Peterhouse the lead, and two bonuses pulled them further ahead. The force was now with them, as Mr Powell took yet another starter, and another two bonuses on diseases followed.

But back came York courtesy of Mr McLoughlin, and a timely full bonus set cut the gap to ten points. Game on! To add to the drama, both sides narrowly missed the next starter. The next went to Mr Langley, and a full bonus set on philosophy works meant Peterhouse had surely done it. Mr Powell took a final starter just to be sure. At the gong, Peterhouse won 145-100.

A very tough match full of tough questions, with both sides doing very well out of it. Unlucky York, but a very good series of memorable performances, and very well done on those and thank yous for playing. Very well done to Peterhouse though; another excellent performance, especially given that slow start, and very best of luck in the final!

Mr Powell was best buzzer of the night with four starters, while Mr McLoughlin was best of York with three; Mr Smith was York's best buzzer for the series overall, with nineteen over six matches. On the bonuses, Peterhouse converted 12 out of 27 (with three penalties), while York managed 9 out of 18 (with one penalty), neither of which are bad considering how hard the questions were tonight; also, just like the first time these sides met, all eight players got at least one starter right.

Next week's match: Liverpool vs St John's for the right to fight Peterhouse