Evening all. Here we are at the penultimate second round match, and Paxo's intro has spared me from recapping the play-off situation tonight! Suffice to say, I'm a bit hyper tonight after the incredible FA Cup draw this evening that saw non-league Chichester City getting a bye to the second round! And speaking of football, one Twitterer described tonight's UC as an old school match-up, the equivalent of Wanderers vs Royal Engineers! Let's do it then...
Imperial College was founded in 1907 and was part of the University of London until it declared independence 100 years later, and is solely devoted to the sciences; alumni include writer HG Wells, the re-rediscoverer of penicillin Sir Alexander Fleming and the four-minute mile runner Sir Roger Bannister. The college won UC in 1995-96 and 2000-01, but its last appearance was a first round exit two series ago; this year's foursome were:
Richard Brooks, from Stockton-on-Tees, studying Mechanical Engineering
Brandon, from Jamaica, Queens in New York City, studying Computing
Captain: Caleb Rich, from Lewisham, studying Controlled Quantum Dynamics
Connor McMeel, from Dublin, studying Computer Science
Brasenose College Oxford is somewhat older, founded in 1509; it's long list of alumni include the cricketer Sir Colin Cowdrey, the writer Sir John Mortimer, the actor Sir Michael Palin and the former PM Mr David Cameron. It's last UC visit was also a first round defeat, a heavy one, to Durham back in 2014-15; this year's quartet were:
Alan Haugh, from Farmington, Connecticut, studying PPE
Maude Mullan, from North London, studying Classics
Captain: Ollie Hanson, from Wolverhampton, studying Maths
Tucker Drew, from Detroit, studying Philosophy and Linguistics
Off we set again then, and a very quick buzz from Mr Haugh opened the scoring for the night, and the Oxford side took two bonuses on the Levant countries. A penalty then allowed Mr McMeel to open the scoring for Imperial, the giveaway clue being the country England beat in the second round of the World Cup last year. No bonuses went to the Londoners, but Mr Rich then gave them the lead with the next starter, and, in a reversal of fortune, a full set of bonuses, a classic UC set on words spelt the same but pronounced differently, followed. The first picture round, on major cities built on islands, went to Imperial, who took two bonuses, taking their lead to 55-15.
A penalty then knocked five off that lead, but all Brasenose could do in response was provoke a sneer from Paxo! The mononymous Brandon, a regular on quiz shows in America I gather, soon got Imperial going in the right direction again, and a pair of bonuses accompanied it. Mr Rich identified the economist Thomas Pikkety for the next starter, and a set of bonuses on Barbie dolls gave them a full set of bonuses, and, with it, a strong lead. Brandon then took Imperial into triple figures as he took the next starter, and a full set of bonuses meant they suddenly had a 100+ point lead, and things were looking ominous for Brasenose.
The music round, on pieces later adapted for the dancer Martha Graham, went to Imperial; one bonus meant they now led 135-15. A quick buzz from Ms Mullan reawoke Brasenose though, but the just the one bonus on physics followed. A second starter in a row then went to the Oxonians though, and two bonuses on cats in art ensured they wouldn't be joining the Sub-50 club. Brandon then put a stop to their recovery however as he took the next starter; one bonus followed, the same one I got.
The second picture round, on works in the Kelvingrove Gallery, went to Brasenose; two bonuses followed, which took the scores to 145-70. They'd have to go for it if they were to stand a chance, but Imperial's lead only went up again when Mr McMeel took the next starter; no bonuses followed however.
But when Brandon took the next starter very quickly, that was game over; a pair of bonuses on the work of Neil Gaiman confirmed this. And their lead and score were only getting bigger, as that man Brandon identified the Irtyh river for the next starter; bonuses on the Nordic games gave them a full house, taking them within sight of 200. Another starter took them over it; just one bonus followed, but by now, it was immaterial. Another starter went to Mr Rich, and another sole bonus; the next went to Brandon, and another single bonus gave them the largest score of the series thus far. There was time for one more starter and bonus, and that was the gong; Imperial won 255-70.
A very strong match indeed, even if a one-sided one. Unlucky Brasenose, a perfectly good team who'd certainly have beaten another team, but a good account of yourselves, thanks for playing. Very well done Imperial though, definitely a team to watch in the next round; very best of luck in it!
The stats: Brandon was the best buzzer of the night, with seven, while Ms Mullan was best for Brasenose with two. On the bonuses, Imperial converted 23 out of 43 (with two penalties), while Brasenose managed 7 out of 12 (with one penalty).
Next week's match: Lady Margaret Hall Oxford vs Downing College Cambridge
Only Connect was also high quality tonight, between the Journeymen, including UC alumni Chris Ducklin and Thomas Grinyer, and the Turophiles, captained by Fifteen-to-One finalist Jascha Elliott. The latter team won 27-24 after a close match, and both teams fully deserve a second match.
Monday, 21 October 2019
Monday, 14 October 2019
University Challenge 2019-20: Round 1: Match 12: Wolfson vs Sheffield
Evening all. Here we go again with the antepenultimate match of the first round, with both sides needing a score of 150 or more to come back win or lose. So far, York are safely through with 150. Another debutant team tonight, taking on an institution that has regularly sent teams over the years, including on the third ever Paxo contest, a bit of which I was watching just the other night!
Wolfson College Oxford is a postgraduate college founded 1965 by the same man who founded the Cambridge college of the same name. Like its namesake, its list of noted alumni is relatively short given its age; it includes thus far the genticist Dame Kay Davies and the founder of Linkedin Reid Hoffman. It's first ever UC team were:
Mike Perrin, from East Anglia (via Japan), studying Maritime Archaeology
Mary Caple, from Victoria, Canada, studying Art History
Captain: Claire Jones, from Houston, Texas, studying Global and Imperial History
Ryan Walker, from Stone in Staffordshire, studying Clinical Medicine
Sheffield University is a bit older, founded in 1905 and one of the original redbricks. Its noted alumni list is a lot more plentiful, including the aviator Amy Johnson, the retired politician Lord David Blunkett, comedians Eddie Izzard and Tim Key, and my Uncle Tom! It's last UC appearance was a first round exit three series ago; this year's team were:
Alistair Lyle, from Chiswick in London, studying Metalogy
Sam Kelly, from Seaford in East Sussex, studying English Literature
Captain: Jonathan Newhouse, from Skipton in Yorkshire, studying Cognitive Science
Daisy Fry, from Kent, studying Politics
Off we set again then, and Mr Walker opened the night by spotting a list of things depicted on the back of collectable 50ps, something me and my colleagues at work express great interest in looking out for! British museums gave Wolfson one correct bonus to start with. Mr Newhouse opened his side's account with 'Van Gogh', and they did somewhat better, taking a full set of bonuses. Another starter to the Sheffield captain, and another full set of bonuses duly followed, a pretty solid statement of intent from the Steel City team. Mr Newhouse then made it a hat-trick of starters, and a bonus set on Asterix characters (pity my Mum wasn't watching, she'd have got all those!) gave them a third full house. The first picture round, on religious emblems, went to Wolfson, who took two bonuses this time, which cut their deficit to 75-35.
Sheffield duly increased it again though, as Mr Lyle correctly offered 'nurdle'; a good old school bonus set on words differing by a 'G' at the start, saw their impeccable bonus record end, with just two this time. Ms Jones reawoke the Oxford side by identifying the river Oder, and, again, two bonuses accompanied it. Ms Caple gave the Oxonians a second starter in a row, but a bonus set on the artist Dame Paula Rego didn't give them any further points.
Mr Perrin was first in to identify Mozart's Don Giovanni; the music bonuses, on list songs, gave Wolfson two correct answers, which put them just ten behind, 95-85. Ms Fry duly woke Sheffield up again though, but they took just one bonus on 16th/17th century quotations. Ms Jones came back in with what looked like an educated guess of 'plagiarism' for the next starter, and was right to do so; a full bonus set put the sides on level pegging. In swooped Mr Lyle to give Sheffield the lead again, and two bonuses re-established their advantage. A second starter in a row to Sheffield, and one bonus gave them the score they needed to return whatever; they took the other two bonuses too for good measure.
The second picture round, on regulars at New York's Cafe Society, went to Wolfson, who took two bonuses, taking the scores to 155-130, and setting up a tense finish. Mr Walker duly took the next starter, and one bonus gave them the score they needed to push Merton out of the repechage and ensure a return whatever.
Ms Jones then took the next starter to put them on level pegging, but they couldn't get the one bonus they needed to take the lead (I had two of them). A second starter in a row to the Wolfson captain did put them in front though, one bonus followed. Back came Sheffield thanks to Mr Lyle, one bonus was taken... and that was the gong! A 170-each tie!
So, standard tie procedure, first to answer correctly wins. Asked which of the wonders of the Ancient World was a representation of 'Helios', Mr Perrin buzzed in first with 'Rhodes', then, after a pause, clarified with 'The Colossus of Rhodes'; Paxo decided that was good enough, as both sides would be returning anyway. (Not sure I can agree with that, as they are going in different directions, but what's done is done). Anyway, Wolfson won the match.
A very good match indeed between two good teams, well done both. Unlucky Sheffield, but you're deservedly coming back in the play-offs, so best of luck there! Well done Wolfson though, and best of luck in the second round!
The stats: Ms Jones was the best buzzer of the night with six starters, while Mr Newhouse was best for Sheffield with four. On the bonuses, Wolfson converted 14 out of 30, while Sheffield managed a very good 18 out of 24.
Next week's match: Imperial College London vs Brasenose College Oxford
Only Connect saw the debuts of the Endeavours and the Outliers, all three of the latter having represented Warwick on UC in the past. It was their opponents who triumphed tonight though, 27-14.
Wolfson College Oxford is a postgraduate college founded 1965 by the same man who founded the Cambridge college of the same name. Like its namesake, its list of noted alumni is relatively short given its age; it includes thus far the genticist Dame Kay Davies and the founder of Linkedin Reid Hoffman. It's first ever UC team were:
Mike Perrin, from East Anglia (via Japan), studying Maritime Archaeology
Mary Caple, from Victoria, Canada, studying Art History
Captain: Claire Jones, from Houston, Texas, studying Global and Imperial History
Ryan Walker, from Stone in Staffordshire, studying Clinical Medicine
Sheffield University is a bit older, founded in 1905 and one of the original redbricks. Its noted alumni list is a lot more plentiful, including the aviator Amy Johnson, the retired politician Lord David Blunkett, comedians Eddie Izzard and Tim Key, and my Uncle Tom! It's last UC appearance was a first round exit three series ago; this year's team were:
Alistair Lyle, from Chiswick in London, studying Metalogy
Sam Kelly, from Seaford in East Sussex, studying English Literature
Captain: Jonathan Newhouse, from Skipton in Yorkshire, studying Cognitive Science
Daisy Fry, from Kent, studying Politics
Off we set again then, and Mr Walker opened the night by spotting a list of things depicted on the back of collectable 50ps, something me and my colleagues at work express great interest in looking out for! British museums gave Wolfson one correct bonus to start with. Mr Newhouse opened his side's account with 'Van Gogh', and they did somewhat better, taking a full set of bonuses. Another starter to the Sheffield captain, and another full set of bonuses duly followed, a pretty solid statement of intent from the Steel City team. Mr Newhouse then made it a hat-trick of starters, and a bonus set on Asterix characters (pity my Mum wasn't watching, she'd have got all those!) gave them a third full house. The first picture round, on religious emblems, went to Wolfson, who took two bonuses this time, which cut their deficit to 75-35.
Sheffield duly increased it again though, as Mr Lyle correctly offered 'nurdle'; a good old school bonus set on words differing by a 'G' at the start, saw their impeccable bonus record end, with just two this time. Ms Jones reawoke the Oxford side by identifying the river Oder, and, again, two bonuses accompanied it. Ms Caple gave the Oxonians a second starter in a row, but a bonus set on the artist Dame Paula Rego didn't give them any further points.
Mr Perrin was first in to identify Mozart's Don Giovanni; the music bonuses, on list songs, gave Wolfson two correct answers, which put them just ten behind, 95-85. Ms Fry duly woke Sheffield up again though, but they took just one bonus on 16th/17th century quotations. Ms Jones came back in with what looked like an educated guess of 'plagiarism' for the next starter, and was right to do so; a full bonus set put the sides on level pegging. In swooped Mr Lyle to give Sheffield the lead again, and two bonuses re-established their advantage. A second starter in a row to Sheffield, and one bonus gave them the score they needed to return whatever; they took the other two bonuses too for good measure.
The second picture round, on regulars at New York's Cafe Society, went to Wolfson, who took two bonuses, taking the scores to 155-130, and setting up a tense finish. Mr Walker duly took the next starter, and one bonus gave them the score they needed to push Merton out of the repechage and ensure a return whatever.
Ms Jones then took the next starter to put them on level pegging, but they couldn't get the one bonus they needed to take the lead (I had two of them). A second starter in a row to the Wolfson captain did put them in front though, one bonus followed. Back came Sheffield thanks to Mr Lyle, one bonus was taken... and that was the gong! A 170-each tie!
So, standard tie procedure, first to answer correctly wins. Asked which of the wonders of the Ancient World was a representation of 'Helios', Mr Perrin buzzed in first with 'Rhodes', then, after a pause, clarified with 'The Colossus of Rhodes'; Paxo decided that was good enough, as both sides would be returning anyway. (Not sure I can agree with that, as they are going in different directions, but what's done is done). Anyway, Wolfson won the match.
A very good match indeed between two good teams, well done both. Unlucky Sheffield, but you're deservedly coming back in the play-offs, so best of luck there! Well done Wolfson though, and best of luck in the second round!
The stats: Ms Jones was the best buzzer of the night with six starters, while Mr Newhouse was best for Sheffield with four. On the bonuses, Wolfson converted 14 out of 30, while Sheffield managed a very good 18 out of 24.
Next week's match: Imperial College London vs Brasenose College Oxford
Only Connect saw the debuts of the Endeavours and the Outliers, all three of the latter having represented Warwick on UC in the past. It was their opponents who triumphed tonight though, 27-14.
Monday, 7 October 2019
University Challenge 2019-20: Round 1: Match 11: Open vs Huddersfield
Evening all. We're back after another week off, but don't get too comfortable, as I have a feeling they'll be another sooner rather than later (Autumnwatch is likely not far off). For now, though, it's back to business as usual as far as Quizzy Mondays are concerned, and tonight we'd start learning the play-off teams for UC. For the two competing tonight, 155 or more would bring them back win or lose.
The Open University recently celebrated its 50th birthday, having been founded by the Wilson government in 1969; noted alumni include actresses Sheila Hancock and Julie Christie, comedy legend Sir Lenny Henry and the former Scotland boss Craig Brown, while former PM Gordon Brown has taught for it, as has an old friend of my parents. It has won UC twice, 1984 and 1998-99, though it has rarely appeared since the latter win, most recently in 2016-17. This year's foursome were:
David Holmes, from Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, studying PPE
Liz Haywood, from Lancing in West Sussex, studying English Literature and Language
Captain: Bill Woodbridge, from Woodbridge in Suffolk, studying Maths
Michela O'Brien, from Hampshire (originally Milan), studying Humanities with Art History and Classical Studies
Huddersfield University traces its origins to the Young Men's Mental Improvement Society of 1841; it eventually became a polytechnic, and then a university in 1992. Alumni include BBC presenter Sally Nugent, comedy performer Adil Ray and Tory peer Baroness Williams. Making its UC debut tonight, its first ever team were:
Sean Fisher, from Huddersfield, studying History
Rebecca Wilson, from Leeds, studying Chemistry
Captain: Andy Cook, from Walsall, studying History
Aaron Cahill, from Norwich, studying Drama
Off we set again then, and Mr Cook quickly provided Huddersfield's first ever UC correct answer with 'splice', and their first ever UC bonus set, on satire, provided them with two correct answers. Mr Woodbridge quickly took his side off in pursuit, identifying Attlee as the PM sought as soon as Paxo said the trigger words 'Churchill' and 'deputy'; Open fared a tad poorer with their first bonuses, just the one. Mr Cahill tripled his side's lead with 'Vancouver', but the side got nothing from the resulting bonuses. The first picture round, on carbon dioxide phase diagrams, went to Open, who took the one bonus they needed to level the scores, 30-each.
Mr Cook gave his side the lead back by identifying Donna Strickland as the first woman in 55 years to win the Nobel Prize for Physics; the Terriers duly took two bonus. Open then lost five on the next starter, allowing Mr Cook to pull his side even further ahead; again, a pair of bonuses followed. The bit firmly between his teeth, the Huddersfield captain took a third starter in a row with 'poetry'; just the one bonus, on nightingales, followed this time. Mr Woodbridge got his side going again, and bonuses on the deaths of saints gave them two correct answers.
The music round, on 1994 Britpop singles, went to Open, who took a full set and closed the gap to 85-70. It increased when Mr Woodbridge dropped five on the next five, and Mr Cook duly claimed the points; words made by adding to the names of a shipping forecast area was a classic UC bonus set, but Huddersfield got nothing from it. Mr Woodbridge took back the lost points by identifying a list of albums by Joni Mitchell; one bonus followed. A second starter in a row put Open within five, and one bonus on rivers with three letter names put the teams on level pegging.
The second picture round, on endangered animals preserved by DEFRA's biodiversity action plan, went to Huddersfield, who took one bonus via, what looked like, an educated guess, taking their lead to 110-95. Still either team's game, but Mr Cook kept the game in his side's hands by taking the next starter; one bonus followed.
Back came Open though thanks to Mr Holmes' answer of 'idiocracy'; bonuses on events that occurred the same years as Olympic games, with the host city required, gave them two bonuses and took them within five. Mr Woodbridge put his side on level pegging with 'bile', but the side couldn't manage the one bonus needed to give them the lead. Next starter might just win it, and Mr Cook swept in to give the Terriers back the lead; two bonuses followed, but one more starter would make it safe. The next starter was dropped though, and the one after, and the one after that was gonged out. Huddersfield won 145-125.
Another low scoring match, but a close and enjoyable one, thanks very much both teams. Unlucky Open, but a respectable performance, thanks very much for playing. Well done Huddersfield though, and best of luck in the next round!
The stats: Mr Cook was comfortably the best buzzer of the night with eight starters, while Mr Woodbridge was best for Open with five. On the bonuses, Open converted 11 out of 24 (with two penalties), while Huddersfield managed 11 out of 27, so it was a game won on the buzzer in more ways than one.
Next week's match: Wolfson College Oxford vs Sheffield
Only Connect returned as well, as the Eggchasers played the 007s; a good, close, high scoring contest followed, with the latter winning 26-23, and both teams totally deserve a second match.
The Open University recently celebrated its 50th birthday, having been founded by the Wilson government in 1969; noted alumni include actresses Sheila Hancock and Julie Christie, comedy legend Sir Lenny Henry and the former Scotland boss Craig Brown, while former PM Gordon Brown has taught for it, as has an old friend of my parents. It has won UC twice, 1984 and 1998-99, though it has rarely appeared since the latter win, most recently in 2016-17. This year's foursome were:
David Holmes, from Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, studying PPE
Liz Haywood, from Lancing in West Sussex, studying English Literature and Language
Captain: Bill Woodbridge, from Woodbridge in Suffolk, studying Maths
Michela O'Brien, from Hampshire (originally Milan), studying Humanities with Art History and Classical Studies
Huddersfield University traces its origins to the Young Men's Mental Improvement Society of 1841; it eventually became a polytechnic, and then a university in 1992. Alumni include BBC presenter Sally Nugent, comedy performer Adil Ray and Tory peer Baroness Williams. Making its UC debut tonight, its first ever team were:
Sean Fisher, from Huddersfield, studying History
Rebecca Wilson, from Leeds, studying Chemistry
Captain: Andy Cook, from Walsall, studying History
Aaron Cahill, from Norwich, studying Drama
Off we set again then, and Mr Cook quickly provided Huddersfield's first ever UC correct answer with 'splice', and their first ever UC bonus set, on satire, provided them with two correct answers. Mr Woodbridge quickly took his side off in pursuit, identifying Attlee as the PM sought as soon as Paxo said the trigger words 'Churchill' and 'deputy'; Open fared a tad poorer with their first bonuses, just the one. Mr Cahill tripled his side's lead with 'Vancouver', but the side got nothing from the resulting bonuses. The first picture round, on carbon dioxide phase diagrams, went to Open, who took the one bonus they needed to level the scores, 30-each.
Mr Cook gave his side the lead back by identifying Donna Strickland as the first woman in 55 years to win the Nobel Prize for Physics; the Terriers duly took two bonus. Open then lost five on the next starter, allowing Mr Cook to pull his side even further ahead; again, a pair of bonuses followed. The bit firmly between his teeth, the Huddersfield captain took a third starter in a row with 'poetry'; just the one bonus, on nightingales, followed this time. Mr Woodbridge got his side going again, and bonuses on the deaths of saints gave them two correct answers.
The music round, on 1994 Britpop singles, went to Open, who took a full set and closed the gap to 85-70. It increased when Mr Woodbridge dropped five on the next five, and Mr Cook duly claimed the points; words made by adding to the names of a shipping forecast area was a classic UC bonus set, but Huddersfield got nothing from it. Mr Woodbridge took back the lost points by identifying a list of albums by Joni Mitchell; one bonus followed. A second starter in a row put Open within five, and one bonus on rivers with three letter names put the teams on level pegging.
The second picture round, on endangered animals preserved by DEFRA's biodiversity action plan, went to Huddersfield, who took one bonus via, what looked like, an educated guess, taking their lead to 110-95. Still either team's game, but Mr Cook kept the game in his side's hands by taking the next starter; one bonus followed.
Back came Open though thanks to Mr Holmes' answer of 'idiocracy'; bonuses on events that occurred the same years as Olympic games, with the host city required, gave them two bonuses and took them within five. Mr Woodbridge put his side on level pegging with 'bile', but the side couldn't manage the one bonus needed to give them the lead. Next starter might just win it, and Mr Cook swept in to give the Terriers back the lead; two bonuses followed, but one more starter would make it safe. The next starter was dropped though, and the one after, and the one after that was gonged out. Huddersfield won 145-125.
Another low scoring match, but a close and enjoyable one, thanks very much both teams. Unlucky Open, but a respectable performance, thanks very much for playing. Well done Huddersfield though, and best of luck in the next round!
The stats: Mr Cook was comfortably the best buzzer of the night with eight starters, while Mr Woodbridge was best for Open with five. On the bonuses, Open converted 11 out of 24 (with two penalties), while Huddersfield managed 11 out of 27, so it was a game won on the buzzer in more ways than one.
Next week's match: Wolfson College Oxford vs Sheffield
Only Connect returned as well, as the Eggchasers played the 007s; a good, close, high scoring contest followed, with the latter winning 26-23, and both teams totally deserve a second match.
Monday, 23 September 2019
University Challenge 2019-20: Round 1: Match 10: Goldsmiths vs Southampton
Evening all. Here we go again then, with two more teams vying for either a place in the second round, or, failing that, a place among the four highest scoring runners-up. Already we're into double figures for the series so, after the next show in a fortnight, we'll start knowing the line-up for those play-offs. On with tonight's show...
Goldsmiths is a constituent of the University of London, established 1904 and a full college since 1987. Alumni include artists Lucien Freud and Bridget Riley, Hairy Biker Dave Myers and former Mastermind champ and fellow blogger Dave Clark. Making its third appearance on the Paxo era tonight; its second, last series, saw them exit in the second round. This year's foursome were:
Alex Wilkins, from Brighton, studying Digital Journalism
Catherine Coldstream, from North London, studying Creative Writing
Captain: Henry Coburn, from Cambridge, studying English
Greg Sibley, from Oakville, Ontario, studying Political Communications
Southampton University is a bit more recent, having received its charter in 1952. Its alumni include Father Brian Eno from the last episode of Father Ted, the news presenter Jon Sopel and the late great Jeremy Hardy. It has regularly sent teams to UC this century, most notably reaching the QFs in 2013-14 with our old friend Richard 'CromartyIV' Evans; its last team, two series ago, also went out in the second round. This year's quartet were:
Josh Holland, from Worcester, studying Theoretical Computer Science
Rory Fleminger, from Oxford, studying Civil Engineering
Captain: Steve Barnes, from Hyde in Hampshire, studying Chemical Education
James Carrigy, from Knaphill in Surrey, studying History
Off we set again then, and Mr Sibley, who, as Paxo made sure to point out, hails from the same town as the great Eric Monkman, opened the scoring for the night; Goldsmiths set their marker down with a full set on the Black Sea. The Londoners' right winger took a second starter in a row, but, in a reversal of fortune, none of the resulting bonuses followed. Mr Wilkins gave Goldsmiths a third in a row, and fortune swung back the other way again, with a full set on 16th century art. The first picture round, on twinned towns and cities, went to Goldsmiths, who, in another twist of fate, failed to add to their score, including a confusion of Southampton with Portsmouth! They still led 70-0 though.
Yet another of those 'just an' interruptions knocked five off that lead, and Mr Barnes duly pounced to open Southampton's account; two bonuses on the Lake District followed. The Saints captain then took a second starter in a row, unlocking a bonus set on writers born 1946, in which both they and I managed just the one correct answer of Michael Rosen.
The music round, on 'I want' songs from musicals, went to Southampton, who took a pair of the bonuses, which reduced the gap to 65-55. Up it went again though, as Mr Sibley awoke his side from their slumbers with 'Rachel Carson'; bonuses on birds gave them just the one correct answer. Mr Coburn took a second in a row for the Londoners by knowing Tess of the d'Urbervilles to have been arrested at Stonehenge; two bonuses took them into triple figures. Came came Southampton thanks to Mr Barnes, and bonuses on playing cards brought them back into within one starter and full house.
The second picture round, on illustrations from the Newgate Calendar, went to Southampton, who took two bonuses to cut the gap to just 100-95. And when Mr Barnes worked out a nice cryptic starter next, they had the lead for the first time; bonuses on chemical elements in Haiku form (sounds like something out of Pointless) gave them two correct answers.
Still anyone's game heading into the final minutes; a penalty didn't help Goldsmiths' cause, but Southampton failed to capitalise. Mr Fleminger took the next starter though, and the side duly took a full set of bonuses, with Mr Carrigy realising in the nick of time that one of the answers related to where he studied! And when he himself correctly answered 'Nora' to the next starter, that was game over; two bonuses followed. There was time for Mr Holland to ensure all four Saints players had a starter to their names; the gong came just as they incorrectly answered the third bonus. Southampton won 175-95.
Another low scoring match, but one made watchable by two pleasant teams. Unlucky Goldsmiths, who started well by faded somewhat later on, but a respectable performance, thanks for playing. Well done Southampton though, and best of luck in the second round!
The stats: Mr Barnes was the best buzzer of the night with five starters, while Mr Sibley was best for Goldsmiths with three. On the bonuses, Goldsmiths converted 9 out of 18 (with two penalties), while Southampton managed 17 out of 27.
No match next week due to LIVE athletics; hopefully we're back in two weeks.
Only Connect is off next week too; tonight's match saw the Forrests return after withdrawing from last series, and mark their return by beating newcomers the Electrophiles 22-18.
Goldsmiths is a constituent of the University of London, established 1904 and a full college since 1987. Alumni include artists Lucien Freud and Bridget Riley, Hairy Biker Dave Myers and former Mastermind champ and fellow blogger Dave Clark. Making its third appearance on the Paxo era tonight; its second, last series, saw them exit in the second round. This year's foursome were:
Alex Wilkins, from Brighton, studying Digital Journalism
Catherine Coldstream, from North London, studying Creative Writing
Captain: Henry Coburn, from Cambridge, studying English
Greg Sibley, from Oakville, Ontario, studying Political Communications
Southampton University is a bit more recent, having received its charter in 1952. Its alumni include Father Brian Eno from the last episode of Father Ted, the news presenter Jon Sopel and the late great Jeremy Hardy. It has regularly sent teams to UC this century, most notably reaching the QFs in 2013-14 with our old friend Richard 'CromartyIV' Evans; its last team, two series ago, also went out in the second round. This year's quartet were:
Josh Holland, from Worcester, studying Theoretical Computer Science
Rory Fleminger, from Oxford, studying Civil Engineering
Captain: Steve Barnes, from Hyde in Hampshire, studying Chemical Education
James Carrigy, from Knaphill in Surrey, studying History
Off we set again then, and Mr Sibley, who, as Paxo made sure to point out, hails from the same town as the great Eric Monkman, opened the scoring for the night; Goldsmiths set their marker down with a full set on the Black Sea. The Londoners' right winger took a second starter in a row, but, in a reversal of fortune, none of the resulting bonuses followed. Mr Wilkins gave Goldsmiths a third in a row, and fortune swung back the other way again, with a full set on 16th century art. The first picture round, on twinned towns and cities, went to Goldsmiths, who, in another twist of fate, failed to add to their score, including a confusion of Southampton with Portsmouth! They still led 70-0 though.
Yet another of those 'just an' interruptions knocked five off that lead, and Mr Barnes duly pounced to open Southampton's account; two bonuses on the Lake District followed. The Saints captain then took a second starter in a row, unlocking a bonus set on writers born 1946, in which both they and I managed just the one correct answer of Michael Rosen.
The music round, on 'I want' songs from musicals, went to Southampton, who took a pair of the bonuses, which reduced the gap to 65-55. Up it went again though, as Mr Sibley awoke his side from their slumbers with 'Rachel Carson'; bonuses on birds gave them just the one correct answer. Mr Coburn took a second in a row for the Londoners by knowing Tess of the d'Urbervilles to have been arrested at Stonehenge; two bonuses took them into triple figures. Came came Southampton thanks to Mr Barnes, and bonuses on playing cards brought them back into within one starter and full house.
The second picture round, on illustrations from the Newgate Calendar, went to Southampton, who took two bonuses to cut the gap to just 100-95. And when Mr Barnes worked out a nice cryptic starter next, they had the lead for the first time; bonuses on chemical elements in Haiku form (sounds like something out of Pointless) gave them two correct answers.
Still anyone's game heading into the final minutes; a penalty didn't help Goldsmiths' cause, but Southampton failed to capitalise. Mr Fleminger took the next starter though, and the side duly took a full set of bonuses, with Mr Carrigy realising in the nick of time that one of the answers related to where he studied! And when he himself correctly answered 'Nora' to the next starter, that was game over; two bonuses followed. There was time for Mr Holland to ensure all four Saints players had a starter to their names; the gong came just as they incorrectly answered the third bonus. Southampton won 175-95.
Another low scoring match, but one made watchable by two pleasant teams. Unlucky Goldsmiths, who started well by faded somewhat later on, but a respectable performance, thanks for playing. Well done Southampton though, and best of luck in the second round!
The stats: Mr Barnes was the best buzzer of the night with five starters, while Mr Sibley was best for Goldsmiths with three. On the bonuses, Goldsmiths converted 9 out of 18 (with two penalties), while Southampton managed 17 out of 27.
No match next week due to LIVE athletics; hopefully we're back in two weeks.
Only Connect is off next week too; tonight's match saw the Forrests return after withdrawing from last series, and mark their return by beating newcomers the Electrophiles 22-18.
Monday, 16 September 2019
University Challenge 2019-20: Round 1: Match 9: L.S.E. vs Courtauld
Evening all. After a few fallow weeks, we appear to have hit a good run of form in the last couple of weeks, and suddenly the four teams currently on the play-off board are just ten points between them. Should it come down to a tie, I would imagine Durham will get the nod over Jesus, having acquired their score via fewer points. On to tonight's show, and a London derby...
The London School of Economics was founded in 1895, becoming part of the University of London five years later; alumni include former Canadian PM Pierre Trudeau, former Labour leader Ed Miliband, former game show host Robert Kilroy-Silk and former Premier League club chairman Tony Fernandes. It has sporadically sent teams over the 25 years of the BBC era, finishing runners-up in 1995-96; it's last appearance was in 2014-15. This year's foursome were:
Kevin Schilling, from Burien, Washington, studying International History
Finn Dignan, from Bristol, studying Economic History
Captain: Zora Elstein, from London, studying Economics
James Engels, from Holland, Michigan, studying International History
The Courtauld Institute of Art, founded 1932, is usually based in the gallery of the same name, but has temporarily relocated due to ongoing refurbishment; alumni include the critics Andrew Graham-Dixon and Brian Sewell and the actor Vincent Price. It has only sent two teams to UC thus far, both of whom went out in the first round. Hoping for better things were this year's quartet of:
Asher Silver, from North London, studying History of Art
Morgan Haigh, from Cardiff, studying History of Art
Captain: Harry Prance, from Winchcombe in Gloucestershire, studying Middle Byzantine Eucharistic Objects
Nancy Collinge, from Blackpool, studying History of Art
Off we set again then, and Mr Prance opened the scoring for the night by identifying the Nobel Peace Prize as having not been awarded 19 times due to a lack of deserving winners; bonuses on the Muses, as described by Stephen Fry, gave them one correct answer. Mr Schilling quickly set L.S.E. off the mark too, and they bettered that and took the lead with a full set of bonuses on turtles and tortoises in folklore. Five of those points were then lost to an interruption on a science starter, and Paxo was not at all surprised when Courtauld didn't even guess! They then lost five themselves though, and L.S.E. did pick up, and took a pair of bonuses on coal tar. The first picture round, on 'lost rhymes' in Shakespeare, went to Courtauld, who took just the one bonus again, cutting their deficit to 40-25.
It shrunk further when Mr Prance took the next starter; the resulting bonuses on paintings of the 1880s gave them, again, just one correct answer, and Paxo perhaps mocked them for doing so a bit too much! It did take them level, and Mr Haigh gave them the lead by identifying Augustus John; again, a sole bonus followed. Both teams then lost five points were then lost to two more of these annoying last second interruptions, but neither was picked up by the opposition. L.S.E. finally stopped the rot when Mr Dignan identified Thomas Carlyle, but they failed to add to their score on bonuses on directorial debuts.
The music starter saw Mr Haigh first in to identify Paganini; the bonuses, on variations on that piece, gave Courtauld, again, just the one bonus, nonetheless increasing their lead to 65-45. Yet another penalty knocked five off that lead, and L.S.E. duly collected the points, and two bonuses were sufficient to give them the lead. But a penalty of their own put the sides level again, and Courtauld took full advantage with a pick-up, and the bonuses finally fell for them, a full set on royal parks. L.S.E. struck back immediately, with Mr Dignan offering 'eagle', but they got nothing from the resulting bonuses. Paxo got a pair of scoffings in at both teams on the next starter, neither identifying WT McGonagall when he was the right answer this time! L.S.E. lost yet another five there. Courtauld took the next starter, and one bonus put them into triple figures.
The second picture round, on pietas, went to Courtauld, who took a full house, increasing their lead to 125-65. And when Ms Collinge identified Geraint Thomas for the next starter, even though no bonuses followed, that was game over.
L.S.E. were going to give it a go though, Mr Dignan took the next starter and a full set of bonuses on newspaper titles were banged out pretty quickly. That was as far as they could get though, despite Mr Engels' attempts to hurry Paxo along when it became obvious no-one was going to buzz on the next starter! Mr Prance took the next, but the gong went before they could score again on the bonuses. Courtauld won 145-90.
A low scoring contest, but an enjoyable one between two pleasant teams. Unlucky L.S.E., but a respectable account of yourselves I'd say, thanks very much for playing. Very well done Courtauld though, and best of luck in the next round!
The stats: Mr Prance was the best buzzer of the night, with five correct, while Mr Dignan was best for L.S.E. with four. On the bonuses, L.S.E. converted 10 out of 18 (with a costly four penalties), while Courtauld managed 12 out of 28 (with three penalties).
Next week's match: Goldsmiths of London vs Southampton
Only Connect saw two UC alumni return, 14-15 champ Michael Taylor as captain of the Wickets, and Thomas Halliday of that series' U.C.L. team for the Choristers; the latter won 25-18.
The London School of Economics was founded in 1895, becoming part of the University of London five years later; alumni include former Canadian PM Pierre Trudeau, former Labour leader Ed Miliband, former game show host Robert Kilroy-Silk and former Premier League club chairman Tony Fernandes. It has sporadically sent teams over the 25 years of the BBC era, finishing runners-up in 1995-96; it's last appearance was in 2014-15. This year's foursome were:
Kevin Schilling, from Burien, Washington, studying International History
Finn Dignan, from Bristol, studying Economic History
Captain: Zora Elstein, from London, studying Economics
James Engels, from Holland, Michigan, studying International History
The Courtauld Institute of Art, founded 1932, is usually based in the gallery of the same name, but has temporarily relocated due to ongoing refurbishment; alumni include the critics Andrew Graham-Dixon and Brian Sewell and the actor Vincent Price. It has only sent two teams to UC thus far, both of whom went out in the first round. Hoping for better things were this year's quartet of:
Asher Silver, from North London, studying History of Art
Morgan Haigh, from Cardiff, studying History of Art
Captain: Harry Prance, from Winchcombe in Gloucestershire, studying Middle Byzantine Eucharistic Objects
Nancy Collinge, from Blackpool, studying History of Art
Off we set again then, and Mr Prance opened the scoring for the night by identifying the Nobel Peace Prize as having not been awarded 19 times due to a lack of deserving winners; bonuses on the Muses, as described by Stephen Fry, gave them one correct answer. Mr Schilling quickly set L.S.E. off the mark too, and they bettered that and took the lead with a full set of bonuses on turtles and tortoises in folklore. Five of those points were then lost to an interruption on a science starter, and Paxo was not at all surprised when Courtauld didn't even guess! They then lost five themselves though, and L.S.E. did pick up, and took a pair of bonuses on coal tar. The first picture round, on 'lost rhymes' in Shakespeare, went to Courtauld, who took just the one bonus again, cutting their deficit to 40-25.
It shrunk further when Mr Prance took the next starter; the resulting bonuses on paintings of the 1880s gave them, again, just one correct answer, and Paxo perhaps mocked them for doing so a bit too much! It did take them level, and Mr Haigh gave them the lead by identifying Augustus John; again, a sole bonus followed. Both teams then lost five points were then lost to two more of these annoying last second interruptions, but neither was picked up by the opposition. L.S.E. finally stopped the rot when Mr Dignan identified Thomas Carlyle, but they failed to add to their score on bonuses on directorial debuts.
The music starter saw Mr Haigh first in to identify Paganini; the bonuses, on variations on that piece, gave Courtauld, again, just the one bonus, nonetheless increasing their lead to 65-45. Yet another penalty knocked five off that lead, and L.S.E. duly collected the points, and two bonuses were sufficient to give them the lead. But a penalty of their own put the sides level again, and Courtauld took full advantage with a pick-up, and the bonuses finally fell for them, a full set on royal parks. L.S.E. struck back immediately, with Mr Dignan offering 'eagle', but they got nothing from the resulting bonuses. Paxo got a pair of scoffings in at both teams on the next starter, neither identifying WT McGonagall when he was the right answer this time! L.S.E. lost yet another five there. Courtauld took the next starter, and one bonus put them into triple figures.
The second picture round, on pietas, went to Courtauld, who took a full house, increasing their lead to 125-65. And when Ms Collinge identified Geraint Thomas for the next starter, even though no bonuses followed, that was game over.
L.S.E. were going to give it a go though, Mr Dignan took the next starter and a full set of bonuses on newspaper titles were banged out pretty quickly. That was as far as they could get though, despite Mr Engels' attempts to hurry Paxo along when it became obvious no-one was going to buzz on the next starter! Mr Prance took the next, but the gong went before they could score again on the bonuses. Courtauld won 145-90.
A low scoring contest, but an enjoyable one between two pleasant teams. Unlucky L.S.E., but a respectable account of yourselves I'd say, thanks very much for playing. Very well done Courtauld though, and best of luck in the next round!
The stats: Mr Prance was the best buzzer of the night, with five correct, while Mr Dignan was best for L.S.E. with four. On the bonuses, L.S.E. converted 10 out of 18 (with a costly four penalties), while Courtauld managed 12 out of 28 (with three penalties).
Next week's match: Goldsmiths of London vs Southampton
Only Connect saw two UC alumni return, 14-15 champ Michael Taylor as captain of the Wickets, and Thomas Halliday of that series' U.C.L. team for the Choristers; the latter won 25-18.
Monday, 9 September 2019
University Challenge 2019-20: Round 1: Match 8: Durham vs Trinity
Evening all. My review will be a bit disjointed this evening as I'm getting text updates from my Dad on the massacre currently unfolding at Hampden (the SimpsonsSPFL Twitter thread makes all these results almost worth it!). Tonight's match pitted two teams who have won the show both during the original ITV series and the current BBC series. Same as usual, winners go straight through, runners-up, like Scotland, will be pinning their hopes on the play-offs.
Durham is the third oldest university in England after Oxford and Cambridge, founded 1832, and its alumni since have included the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the broadcasters Jeremy Vine and Gabby Logan and the cricketers Nasser Hussain and Andrew Strauss. Last year's team made it all the way to the semis before losing to eventual winners Edinburgh. This year's foursome were:
Charles Bland, from Sutton in Surrey, studying Philosophy
William Tams, from Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria, studying Biosciences
Captain: Joe Cooper, from London, studying Chemistry
Arthur Raffle, from Manchester, studying French and German
Trinity College Cambridge was founded by Henry VIII in 1546 and is now the largest college in Cambridge; alumni include the poets Byron and Dryden, the PMs Balfour and Baldwin, and the Pointless hosts Armstrong and Osman. Its last appearance prior to tonight was a first round loss two series ago. This year's quartet were:
Nadia Hourihan, from Dublin, studying English
Lillian Crawford, from Kent, studying History
Captain: Joseph Webber, from Bury St Edmunds, studying Maths
Liam Hughes, from Cardiff, studying Maths
Off we set again then, and Mr Cooper started the scoring for the night with 'default', and the Wearsiders opened the night with a pair of bonuses. Mr Tams took the second starter, and they went one better, a full set on sporting positions. Mr Hughes broke Trinity off the mark, and they also took two of their first bonuses. Back came Durham with Mr Cooper again, and another full set of bonuses was duly swept up. The first picture round, on national flags to be identified by geographical locations on maps, went to Durham, who managed two bonuses again, taking their early lead to 90-10.
Mr Hughes duly pulled Trinity back into the game on the next starter, and the Cambridge side, again took a pair of the resulting bonuses. Mr Webber identified the composer Faure for the next starter, and a bonus set on that old quiz staple chemical elements gave them a full house, bringing them well back into the game. The Trinity captain unluckily dropped five on the next starter with a borderline interruption, but Durham couldn't capitalise. Ms Hourihan duly took the next starter, and two bonuses took Trinity within ten.
The music round saw Ms Crawford first on the buzzer to identify Ms K. Minogue; the bonuses, on pop songs written by the late Carol King, gave Trinity two correct answers and the lead, 100-90. Mr Tams decided that was enough of that, and duly took the next starter to put his side back level; two bonuses gave them the lead back. But Trinity now had the bit between their collective teeth, and Mr Webber duly put them level again; bonuses on the works of Mrs Gaskell put them back in front again. And Mr Hughes wasn't letting up, another starter, and bonuses on the town of Gainsborough providing them with one correct answer.
The second picture round, on artworks depicting mythological scenes in the background and everyday life in the foreground, went to Trinity; one bonus followed, taking their lead to 150-110. Still all to play for, and back came Durham, with Mr Raffle identifying the words of Robert Browning just a few seconds after I did; the side duly sped through their bonuses, answering the one they got right quickly and passing the other two only a bit slower.
But Mr Hughes duly quelled any fightback with a lightning fast buzz on the next starter; no bonuses followed, but when Ms Hourihan took the next and two bonuses followed, that was game over. Mr Cooper pulled one back for Durham, and two bonuses lifted them onto a score more likely to bring them back in the play-offs. That was as far as they got though, as Trinity took the two remaining starters, though none of the bonuses there was time for. At the gong, Trinity won 200-145.
Another good high quality match, well done both teams there. Unlucky Durham, but still a fine performance, and hopefully you'll be back in the play-offs, thanks for playing for now though. Well done Trinity though, and very best of luck in the next round!
The stats: Mr Hughes was the best buzzer of the night with four, while Messrs Tams and Cooper were joint best for Durham with three each. On the bonuses, Durham converted 15 out of 21, while Trinity managed 17 out of 34 (with the night's one penalty).
Next week's match: the LSE vs the Courtauld Institute
Only Connect tonight pitted the Gladiators against the Lexplorers. The former were most unfortunate in the first two rounds, trailing 16-0 going into the Walls. They eventually recovered to a respectable 10, but their opponents ended on 36, and must surely be early favourites.
Durham is the third oldest university in England after Oxford and Cambridge, founded 1832, and its alumni since have included the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the broadcasters Jeremy Vine and Gabby Logan and the cricketers Nasser Hussain and Andrew Strauss. Last year's team made it all the way to the semis before losing to eventual winners Edinburgh. This year's foursome were:
Charles Bland, from Sutton in Surrey, studying Philosophy
William Tams, from Kirkby Stephen in Cumbria, studying Biosciences
Captain: Joe Cooper, from London, studying Chemistry
Arthur Raffle, from Manchester, studying French and German
Trinity College Cambridge was founded by Henry VIII in 1546 and is now the largest college in Cambridge; alumni include the poets Byron and Dryden, the PMs Balfour and Baldwin, and the Pointless hosts Armstrong and Osman. Its last appearance prior to tonight was a first round loss two series ago. This year's quartet were:
Nadia Hourihan, from Dublin, studying English
Lillian Crawford, from Kent, studying History
Captain: Joseph Webber, from Bury St Edmunds, studying Maths
Liam Hughes, from Cardiff, studying Maths
Off we set again then, and Mr Cooper started the scoring for the night with 'default', and the Wearsiders opened the night with a pair of bonuses. Mr Tams took the second starter, and they went one better, a full set on sporting positions. Mr Hughes broke Trinity off the mark, and they also took two of their first bonuses. Back came Durham with Mr Cooper again, and another full set of bonuses was duly swept up. The first picture round, on national flags to be identified by geographical locations on maps, went to Durham, who managed two bonuses again, taking their early lead to 90-10.
Mr Hughes duly pulled Trinity back into the game on the next starter, and the Cambridge side, again took a pair of the resulting bonuses. Mr Webber identified the composer Faure for the next starter, and a bonus set on that old quiz staple chemical elements gave them a full house, bringing them well back into the game. The Trinity captain unluckily dropped five on the next starter with a borderline interruption, but Durham couldn't capitalise. Ms Hourihan duly took the next starter, and two bonuses took Trinity within ten.
The music round saw Ms Crawford first on the buzzer to identify Ms K. Minogue; the bonuses, on pop songs written by the late Carol King, gave Trinity two correct answers and the lead, 100-90. Mr Tams decided that was enough of that, and duly took the next starter to put his side back level; two bonuses gave them the lead back. But Trinity now had the bit between their collective teeth, and Mr Webber duly put them level again; bonuses on the works of Mrs Gaskell put them back in front again. And Mr Hughes wasn't letting up, another starter, and bonuses on the town of Gainsborough providing them with one correct answer.
The second picture round, on artworks depicting mythological scenes in the background and everyday life in the foreground, went to Trinity; one bonus followed, taking their lead to 150-110. Still all to play for, and back came Durham, with Mr Raffle identifying the words of Robert Browning just a few seconds after I did; the side duly sped through their bonuses, answering the one they got right quickly and passing the other two only a bit slower.
But Mr Hughes duly quelled any fightback with a lightning fast buzz on the next starter; no bonuses followed, but when Ms Hourihan took the next and two bonuses followed, that was game over. Mr Cooper pulled one back for Durham, and two bonuses lifted them onto a score more likely to bring them back in the play-offs. That was as far as they got though, as Trinity took the two remaining starters, though none of the bonuses there was time for. At the gong, Trinity won 200-145.
Another good high quality match, well done both teams there. Unlucky Durham, but still a fine performance, and hopefully you'll be back in the play-offs, thanks for playing for now though. Well done Trinity though, and very best of luck in the next round!
The stats: Mr Hughes was the best buzzer of the night with four, while Messrs Tams and Cooper were joint best for Durham with three each. On the bonuses, Durham converted 15 out of 21, while Trinity managed 17 out of 34 (with the night's one penalty).
Next week's match: the LSE vs the Courtauld Institute
Only Connect tonight pitted the Gladiators against the Lexplorers. The former were most unfortunate in the first two rounds, trailing 16-0 going into the Walls. They eventually recovered to a respectable 10, but their opponents ended on 36, and must surely be early favourites.
Monday, 2 September 2019
University Challenge 2019-20: Round 1: Match 7: Jesus vs Manchester
Evening all. So we're back after the week-off last week, and Only Connect is back as well! Finally, Monday nights make sense again. Whether or not I cover OC in full blogs this series I still haven't decided yet, but if I do review tonight's ep in full, it probably won't be this week. On with tonight's UC though first...
Jesus College Oxford is the only Oxford college founded during the reign of Elizabeth I, in 1571; alumni include former PM Harold Wilson, former Mastermind host Magnus Magnusson, and journalist Jim Waterson, who represented the college on the show back in the Alex Guttenplan series of 2009-10. It last sent a team to the show in 2014-15, who were narrowly beaten in the first round. This year's foursome were:
Lucy Clarke, from Surrey, studying Early Modern History
James Cashman, from Guildford, studying History
Captain: Matt Cook, from Wellington, New Zealand, studying PPE
Miranda Stevens, from Sevenoaks, studying Biology
Manchester University, founded in its current form in 2004 having been around for over a hundred years in various forms beforehand, is best known on UC for a ten year run of dominance, where they won three times, with a fourth later retroactively awarded, were runners-up once and reached the semis every other series. That run has since ended, though last series, they managed a respectable run to the QFs. This year's quartet were:
Jack Rogers, from Cheshire, studying Maths
Melissa Johnson, from South Africa, studying Economics
Captain: James Green, from the Wirral, studying Modernist Literature
Adam Booth, from West London, studying Physics
Off we set again then, and Mr Cashman opened procedings with 'mandate'; bonuses on Alfred Hitchcock films provided the Oxonians with just the one bonus to start with. Mr Green opened Manchester's account with 'Russia', but they could also manage just one of their resulting bonuses. Mr Rogers, as I did, knew the letter 'W' to only appear in the name of one element but be the chemical symbol of another, and a classic UC bonus set on words differing by the addition of a J at the start proved more to their liking, a full set. The first picture round, on graphs showing the finishing place of teams in the Premier League, went to Manchester; just the one bonus followed again though, leaving their lead at 55-15.
And it increased when Mr Green added 'baited breath' for the next starter, but bonuses on cricket didn't add to it. Mr Booth took the next starter, but, again, nothing came from the bonuses. Ms Johnson then made sure all Manchester players had a correct starter to their name, and European history finally gave them some bonuses they knew, a full set taking them to triple figures. Ms Clarke finally awoke Jesus from their slumbers, but they took just the one bonus. At least they were scoring again now though, as Ms Stevens took a second in a row, and this time two bonuses were converted.
The music round, on pop music tracks that sample 'The Streets of Cairo', went to Jesus, who took another pair of bonuses, though one was a bit generous ('They Must Be Giants' was accepted for 'They Might Be Giants'). Jesus had now recovered to 100-70, but Manchester duly reawoke courtesy of Ms Johnson's answer of 'stegosaurus'; bonuses on the work of Robert Harris gave the Mancunians a full house. Five were then lost to a wrong interruption, but Jesus couldn't capitalise. Another starter was dropped, before Mr Cook (the K on whose nameplate I'm pretty sure was upside down!) ensured all eight players had contributed a correct starter to the match; one bonus was taken. Back came Mr Booth for Manchester, and two bonuses put them in command going into the closing straight.
The second picture round, on films whose plots transpose those of Shakespeare plays, went to Manchester, who took a full house, taking their lead to 165-85. And when Mr Green took the next starter, you suspected they might just now be out of reach, even though just the one bonus followed.
Or maybe not, as they then dropped five on the next starter; Ms Stevens picked up the points, and a full bonus set took them into triple figures and onto the play-offs board. Ms Clarke added another to the Oxonians' score, and another full bonus set meant they could still, just about, catch up yet. Neither side took the next starter though, Mr Cook took the next, but when they only took one bonus, that was game over. Just to confirm, Ms Clarke unluckily lost five on a borderline interruption on the final starter, and Manchester took the points. No time for the bonuses; at the gong, Manchester won 185-145.
A good match, well played by two solid teams, well done both teams. Unlucky Jesus, but a fine effort, and hopefully 145 will be enough for the play-offs, so hopefully we'll see you again. Well done Manchester though, and best of luck in the next round!
The stats: Mr Green was the best buzzer of the night with four, while Ms Clarke was best for Jesus with three. On the bonuses, Jesus converted 14 out of 24 (with one penalty), while Manchester managed 17 out of 30 (with two penalties), and, as I said earlier, all eight players got at least one starter correct.
Next week's match: Durham vs Trinity College Cambridge
Only Connect's return saw the Darksiders play the Suits; the latter had a steady lead after the first round, and maintained it for the rest of the show, ultimately winning comfortably. (This will probably be how I cover OC here from now on, but we'll see)
Jesus College Oxford is the only Oxford college founded during the reign of Elizabeth I, in 1571; alumni include former PM Harold Wilson, former Mastermind host Magnus Magnusson, and journalist Jim Waterson, who represented the college on the show back in the Alex Guttenplan series of 2009-10. It last sent a team to the show in 2014-15, who were narrowly beaten in the first round. This year's foursome were:
Lucy Clarke, from Surrey, studying Early Modern History
James Cashman, from Guildford, studying History
Captain: Matt Cook, from Wellington, New Zealand, studying PPE
Miranda Stevens, from Sevenoaks, studying Biology
Manchester University, founded in its current form in 2004 having been around for over a hundred years in various forms beforehand, is best known on UC for a ten year run of dominance, where they won three times, with a fourth later retroactively awarded, were runners-up once and reached the semis every other series. That run has since ended, though last series, they managed a respectable run to the QFs. This year's quartet were:
Jack Rogers, from Cheshire, studying Maths
Melissa Johnson, from South Africa, studying Economics
Captain: James Green, from the Wirral, studying Modernist Literature
Adam Booth, from West London, studying Physics
Off we set again then, and Mr Cashman opened procedings with 'mandate'; bonuses on Alfred Hitchcock films provided the Oxonians with just the one bonus to start with. Mr Green opened Manchester's account with 'Russia', but they could also manage just one of their resulting bonuses. Mr Rogers, as I did, knew the letter 'W' to only appear in the name of one element but be the chemical symbol of another, and a classic UC bonus set on words differing by the addition of a J at the start proved more to their liking, a full set. The first picture round, on graphs showing the finishing place of teams in the Premier League, went to Manchester; just the one bonus followed again though, leaving their lead at 55-15.
And it increased when Mr Green added 'baited breath' for the next starter, but bonuses on cricket didn't add to it. Mr Booth took the next starter, but, again, nothing came from the bonuses. Ms Johnson then made sure all Manchester players had a correct starter to their name, and European history finally gave them some bonuses they knew, a full set taking them to triple figures. Ms Clarke finally awoke Jesus from their slumbers, but they took just the one bonus. At least they were scoring again now though, as Ms Stevens took a second in a row, and this time two bonuses were converted.
The music round, on pop music tracks that sample 'The Streets of Cairo', went to Jesus, who took another pair of bonuses, though one was a bit generous ('They Must Be Giants' was accepted for 'They Might Be Giants'). Jesus had now recovered to 100-70, but Manchester duly reawoke courtesy of Ms Johnson's answer of 'stegosaurus'; bonuses on the work of Robert Harris gave the Mancunians a full house. Five were then lost to a wrong interruption, but Jesus couldn't capitalise. Another starter was dropped, before Mr Cook (the K on whose nameplate I'm pretty sure was upside down!) ensured all eight players had contributed a correct starter to the match; one bonus was taken. Back came Mr Booth for Manchester, and two bonuses put them in command going into the closing straight.
The second picture round, on films whose plots transpose those of Shakespeare plays, went to Manchester, who took a full house, taking their lead to 165-85. And when Mr Green took the next starter, you suspected they might just now be out of reach, even though just the one bonus followed.
Or maybe not, as they then dropped five on the next starter; Ms Stevens picked up the points, and a full bonus set took them into triple figures and onto the play-offs board. Ms Clarke added another to the Oxonians' score, and another full bonus set meant they could still, just about, catch up yet. Neither side took the next starter though, Mr Cook took the next, but when they only took one bonus, that was game over. Just to confirm, Ms Clarke unluckily lost five on a borderline interruption on the final starter, and Manchester took the points. No time for the bonuses; at the gong, Manchester won 185-145.
A good match, well played by two solid teams, well done both teams. Unlucky Jesus, but a fine effort, and hopefully 145 will be enough for the play-offs, so hopefully we'll see you again. Well done Manchester though, and best of luck in the next round!
The stats: Mr Green was the best buzzer of the night with four, while Ms Clarke was best for Jesus with three. On the bonuses, Jesus converted 14 out of 24 (with one penalty), while Manchester managed 17 out of 30 (with two penalties), and, as I said earlier, all eight players got at least one starter correct.
Next week's match: Durham vs Trinity College Cambridge
Only Connect's return saw the Darksiders play the Suits; the latter had a steady lead after the first round, and maintained it for the rest of the show, ultimately winning comfortably. (This will probably be how I cover OC here from now on, but we'll see)
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