University Challenge 2022-23: Round 1: Match 3: L.S.E. vs University

Good evening friends, and welcome back. Obviously, this is a very sad time for the nation, so, out of respect, this week's write-up will be a bit shorter than usual, and next week's as well, assuming the show goes ahead next week as currently scheduled. So, here we go...

The London School of Economics has appeared eight times on the BBC series before, reaching the semis in 97-87 and being runners-up in 95-96; its last appearance was a first round exit three series ago. This year's team were:

Dominic Ede, from Milton Keynes, studying the Philosophy of Science

Laurent Balt, from Cape Town, studying Development Studies

Captain: Ali Hassan, from Lahore, studying Development Studies

Hannah Brown, from Suffolk, studying History

University College Oxford won the original show twice in the 1970s; it also reached the semis in 2000-01, before vanishing for twenty years before appearing in the last two series, going out in the first rounds of both. This year's foursome were:

Alex Wallop, from London, studying Chemistry

Leah Fogarty, from Hertfordshire, studying Biomedical Sciences

Captain: Ansa Cunanan, from Orlando, Florida, studying History

Alice Chakraborty, from London, studying Classics and English

 

So off we set again, and Mr Hassan took the first starter for L.S.E., with two bonuses following. University took the next three starters however, including the first picture round, on gulfs, after which they led 50-20. L.S.E. briefly halted their run, but a further run of starters, Mr Cunanan in particular having an impressive game, meant that after the music round, on trombone solos, they had increased their lead to 95-35.

Two successive penalties, the first two of the series no less, halted University's momentum slightly, with L.S.E. picking up one of these, but a further three starters and two successive full sets of bonuses, including the second picture round, on dinosaur skeletons discovered during the 'Bone Wars', increased their lead to 150-55 and as good as put the game to bed. L.S.E. did pull back nicely in the final minutes, and deservedly reached three figures, but University were always too far ahead to be caught. At the gong, University won 175-110.

Another enjoyable contest. Well done University, Mr Cunanan especially impressive, and best of luck next time. Hard lines to L.S.E., who score I fear won't be enough for the repechage, but they put up a respectable effort; thanks for playing.

The stats: Mr Cunanan was easily the best buzzer of the night with an impressive eight starters, while Messrs Balt and Hassan were best for L.S.E. with two each. On the bonuses, L.S.E. managed 10 out of 15, and University 16 out of 33 (with three penalties).

Next match: Coventry, making its debut on the show, vs Cardiff

Only Connect was contested by the Peacocks, Alan Peters, Paul Singh and captain Lizzie Biscuits, and Mothers Ruined, Jo Barker, Veronica Smith and captain Katrina Austin. The former led 5-3 after the first round, and an equal scoring second round meant they led 9-7 afterwards. A better wall allowed Mothers Ruined to take the lead 17-14 going into Missing Vowels, and they maintained that lead to win 22-17.

 

Brain of Britain was won by Quizzy Mondays alumnus Ned Pendleton, who led throughout and ran away in the second half of the show to win with 18 points. UC legend Gail Trimble finished second with 9, which sadly probably won’t be enough for a highest scoring runner-up place. Alison Jay and Roger Bowen completed the line-up with 7 and 3 respectively.