Evening all. Onwards we soldier in, what Mr Weaver rightly described as, a very modest series. For today's runners-up, a losing score of 160 or more would give them a definite place in the play-offs. But, realistically, a score of around 140 would probably do.
St Catharine's College Cambridge was founded 1473 for students of theology and philosophy. Alumni include Sir Ian McKellan, Richard Ayoade, comedy sidekick Ben Miller and a Mr J. Paxman esquire. It last sent a team to UC way back in 1999-2000, who went out in the first round. Tonight's foursome were:
Calum Watson, from Stirlingshire, studying Maths
Ellie Chan, from Brighton, studying History of Art
Captain: Calum Bungey, from London, studying Chemistry
Alex Cranston, from London, studying Natural Sciences
The University of Southampton was originally a university college, which became a full uni in 1952. Alumni include music guru Brian Eno and TV man Chris Packham, while Internet pioneer Sir Tim Berners-Lee currently works there. It last appeared two years ago, where our friend Cromarty(IV) and co reached the QFs before losing to Manchester. This year's quartet, one of whom is following me on Twitter, were:
Will Cable, from Swindon, studying History
Sarah Stock, from Cardiff, studying Chemistry
Captain: Tricia Goggin, from New Ross in Ireland, studying Biomedical Engineering
Roland Sadler, from London, studying Biology
Off we set then, and a question misunderstanding led to St Catharine's losing five straight away; Southampton took the points, and all three bonuses were a sign of early intent. Another penalty reduced St Catharine's to (-10), but no pickup this time. Another starter was dropped, then it was Southampton's turn to lose five. St Catharine's finally got going, and, after all that, they too managed all three bonuses. The first picture round, on covers of Horrible Histories books (rubbish reissue ones rather than originals, sadly), went to Southampton, who took another full house to lead 45-15.
A very quick buzz from Mr Bungey brought St Catharine's a second starter, and yet another full house of bonuses followed. An unlucky miss by Ms Goggin lost Southampton five, and pretty much handed Mr Bungey the correct answer. Amazingly, another full bonus set followed; that's five in a row! Considering the troubles the teams were having with the starters, that's pretty astonishing. The bubble finally burst in the next set, when St Catharine's only managed one of a tricky maths set.
The music round, on musicals with no spoken dialogue, went to St Catharine's, and provided much hilarity with a very weird extract from RENT, and a superb facial reaction from Paxo! No bonuses followed, leaving their lead at 90-40. A quick buzz brought Southampton back into the game, and two bonuses from a set on 'too much' followed. Another starter was dropped, before another very quick intervention from Southampton, and yet another full bonus set pulled them within five. Mr Bungey gave St Catharine's more space to breath, and two bonuses followed.
No one recognised Poussin for the second picture starter; the bonuses, on paintings representing the seasons, went to Southampton. They took two of them, cutting the gap to 110-105, and then what looked like a guess gave them the lead. One bonuses followed. Yet another starter was dropped, before Mr Bungey took his latest starter to draw the sides level, and two bonuses gave them the lead again. It was anyone's game.
Another starter from Mr Bungey gave St Catharine's more room to manoeuvre, but no bonuses followed this time. But when Mr Bungey took the next starter, and all three bonuses on the Chinese Emperor Yongle (including a reference to the Forbidden City, which I've been playing on a Rainbow Six game!) followed, that was probably sufficient to see them home. Southampton pulled a starter back, and just one bonus took them up to second in the play off standings. The match petered out with yet another dropped starter, and the gong finally went. St Catharine's won 165-135.
A pretty tense and enjoyable match, despite all the dropped starters. Unlucky Southampton, but 135 is certainly in contention for the repechage, so we'll hopefully see you again there. Well done to St Catharine's though; a fair effort, though I suspect they'll need to play better next time. We'll look forward to seeing them then!
Mr Bungey was, by far and away, the best buzzer of the night, with all nine of his side's starters to his name, while Ms Goggin was Southampton's best with three. On the bonuses, St Catharine's managed a pretty good 17 out of 27 (with two penalties), and Southampton a very good 15 out of 21 (with two penalties also). Two very good rates there. Allied with better buzzer work, you've got two good teams here.
Next week's match: Clare College Cambridge vs Warwick
Only Connect was pretty good tonight too. I'll go into it more either tomorrow or Wednesday.
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