University Challenge: Round 1: Match 12: U.C.L. vs Exeter

First of all, sorry for the delay, but I'm having technical issues at the moment. I won't go into why, I'll just get on with it...

University College London, or U.C.L., was founded in 1826, and is the largest college of the University of London; it is also larger than many other entire universities. The side has fielded strong teams in recent years; last year's team surprised many by reaching the semi-finals, and offered plenty of humor in the process. This year's team were:
Adam Papaphilippopoulos, from London, studying Philosophy
Tom Tyszczuk Smith, from Cambridge, studying Medicine
Captain: Simon Dennis, from London, studying the History and Philosophy of Science
Tom Parton, from Staffordshire, studying Natural Sciences

Exeter University is newer, having been founded in 1955, though its predecessor establishments date back to 1900 and 1922. The university last sent a team two years ago, where they lost to Peterhouse Cambridge in the first round, but survived to the repechage, where they defeated Cardiff, before losing to eventual runners-up York in the second round. Playing for them were:
James Bellamy, from Exeter, studying Zoology
William O'Rourke, from Dorset, studying English
Captain: Rob Bental, from Staines, studying Arabic and Persian
John Ault, from Warrington, studying Cornish Studies

Exeter were first to score, getting the first starter and a complete set of bonuses. Mr Tyszczuk Smith of U.C.L. buzzed in too early on the next starter, and Exeter were disallowed an answer after conferring, which seemed to annoy Paxo greatly. Following that, though, he seemed to be in good spirits for the rest of the evening.

U.C.L. soon got off the mark, with Mr Dennis appearing to score most of the side's starters. His colleagues all gave a good account of themselves, but he was the one who was doing most of the work. His side soon took the lead from Exeter, and, by the music round, had pulled out a lead of 120-55.

Mr Dennis and his team continued to pile up the points throughout the third phase of play too, and, by the second picture round, U.C.L. led by 180-55. Exeter did get the second picture starter, but just one bonus followed. This proved a brief blip, as U.C.L. continued to pile on the points in the second half, and poor Exeter couldn't do anything. James Bellamy tried to buzz back into the game, but he buzzed to soon, and his side dropped back by five. But Rob Bental managed a starter late on, and the side took two of the bonuses. The gong went shortly afterwards, and U.C.L. won by a stunning 260-85.

A fine performance by U.C.L., who must surely be favored to progress to the quarter finals, at least. Simon Dennis finished the match with eleven(!) correct starters, and his side managed 22 bonuses out of 45 with two penalties. James Bellamy's two starters were Exeter's best, and the side answred 8 bonuses out of 15 with one penalty. All eight players answered at least one starters correctly.

Safely through to the repechage: Lincoln College Oxford (175), King's College Cambridge (145)

Next week's match: New College Oxford vs Homerton College Cambridge

As for Only Connect, last night's match featured one of my favorite questions ever, about Kenny McCormick's deaths in South Park! It was another trouncing, with the winning team, captained by former Mastermind champion Nancy Dickmann, won by 33 points to 8. The opposition weren't bad, they were just unlucky.