All right everybody, time to recap the week's events on Christmas University Challenge. Fair to say its one of the things we all look out for every year, especially if you're not a fan of the rest of the stuff on across the period. Currently watching Michael McIntyre myself, though will try not to let it distract me too much! These summaries are based on memory only, as I've only just had a quick flick through the shows just now, but I'll try to be as accurate as I can.
Monday 19th: Manchester vs St Anne's Oxford
Manchester: Sir Philip Craven, Sarfraz Manzoor, Simon Armitage, Erica McAlister
St Anne's: Rebecca Morelle, Dr Janina Ramirez, Mary Archer, Jacky Rowland
To kick the series off, a match that started close, with St Anne's only maintaining a slight lead over Manchester at first. But then Mr Armitage slipped up when he buzzed then forgot his answer, and, though St Anne's didn't pick up, Manchester never really recovered. The Oxford side raced away on the buzzer, and, though Manchester did recover some face in the final minutes, St Anne's won 185-55, and will definitely be back next week.
Tuesday 20th: Kent vs Sussex
Kent: Jeremy Wade, Shiulie Ghosh, Paul Ross, Jamie Angus
Sussex: Tim O'Shea, Hattie Hayridge, Dermot Murnaghan, Alex Bailin
This match, however, was about as one sided as you could probably get. Kent took the lead quickly, thanks in no small part to Mr Ross, who excelled himself on the buzzer with six starters, and they seemed to take the bonuses when they got in as well. Poor Sussex were only restricted to two correct starters all night, though TBF they did make good work on the bonuses when they did get in. The final score was 245-35 to Kent, and we'll be seeing them again next week too. (Hopefully they and St Anne's will avoid each other)
Wednesday 21st: City vs Newcastle
City: Ramita Navai, Brendan Barber, Samira Ahmed, Tiff Needell
Newcastle: Charlie Webster, Wilko Johnson, Helen Scales, Neil Astley
Not quite as one sided as the previous matches; it was actually a good close affair, if low scoring, for the first half. Newcastle acquired 35 points by the time of the music round, but from that point on, City ran the show, with Ms Ahmed contributing an impressive seven starters, though a slight bonus profligacy kept their score down a bit. The final score was a City victory 145-35; probably not enough for a return, but you never can tell with these specials.
Thursday 22nd: SOAS vs Leeds
SOAS: David Warren, Gus Casely-Hayford, Dom Joly, Minna Salami
Leeds: Louise Doughty, Gus Unger-Hamilton, Kamal Ahmed, Steve Bell
Again, this was a close match initially, but when Leeds built up a head of steam on the buzzer in the latter stages of the match, they had the match sewn up, though SOAS put up a valiant fight. Leeds actually answered the same number of starters as City, but a considerably better bonus rate meant the match ended with them ahead 175-85. Borderline score for the semis, and it says a lot that 85 is still the highest losing score we've seen this week.
Friday 23rd: Edinburgh vs St Catharine's Cambridge
Edinburgh: Steve Jones, Hermione Cockburn, Rachael Stirling, Helen Pidd
St Catharine's: Peter Wothers, Joanne Harris, Matthew Price, Ivana Gavric
Another low key affair, with the teams only managing twelve correct starters between them, and the bonuses proving a challenge for them too. An entertaining affair though, as have all the matches this week, and kudos to Paxo for thanking all the teams for taking part at the end of each match, pointing out that they didn't have to do this. Edinburgh won this match 115-60, but won't be back again next week.
So, at the end of the first week's play, Kent and St Anne's are definitely though to the semi-finals, and Leeds have a very good chance. Two more first rounders to come: Magdalene of Cambridge play St Hilda's of Oxford tomorrow evening, then Bristol take on Nottingham on Monday.
I'll be back to look over them next week some time, either Friday or Hogmanay probably. I also hope to look back on the final two weeks (for now) of Deal, and drawing some reflection on its ending. Either tomorrow or Monday night.
Until then, however, have a safe and happy Christmas, and the compliments of the season to all of yous!
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