Sunday 31 December 2023

Christmas University Challenge 2023: Matches 6-9 (Tuesday 26th - Friday 29th)

Greetings friends! So, the second week of Christmas University Challenge 2023. Only four shows to cover of course; we all know why and need not mention it again. So, just two more teams to meet this week, and then straight into the semis and the final. So, for the last time this year, lets do this...

Tuesday 26th: Middlesex vs Leeds
Middlesex: Heather Phillipson, Lola Young, Dan Renton Skinner, David Hepworth
Leeds: Kenton Cool, Kunle Barker, Claire Cashmore, Mike Begon

A close and low scoring contest at first that either team could've won, until a late run from Middlesex saw them not only run into the lead, but also run up easily a good enough score to come back in the semis. Leeds did deservedly reach three figures too though. Middlesex won the game 175-115, bringing them back.

Wednesday 27th: Royal Holloway vs Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi raced into an early lead, but Royal Holloway recovered very well and, heading into the final minutes, it was either team's game. It was ultimately decided when Mr Chingonyi unluckily buzzed early and offered Salt Lake City instead of the state of Utah; Corpus Christi made no mistake and that proved the difference. Corpus Christi won 180-160, while Royal Holloway exited with their heads held high.

Thursday 28th: Bangor vs Middlesex
Mr Skinner was unable to return, so Ms Phillipson took over as captain and David Heathcote joined the team. And he proved the difference, answering six starters as his took an early lead and never lost it. Bangor did rally to respectability, but the result was never in doubt. Middlesex won 195-85.

Friday 29th: Corpus Christi vs Middlesex
Again, Middlesex raced into a strong lead in the first half and didn't look like losing it. Again, Corpus Christi rallied in the final minutes to a decent score, but the game and the series had already been decided by then. Middlesex won the game and the series 175-80.

Very well done to them indeed, most worthy winners, and thanks to all the teams who took part for another most enjoyable mini series. And well done to AR as well, who did a fine job in his first festive series in charge. There were also signs of Paxo-esque snappiness in him as well that we haven't seen in the student series so far; whether we'll be seeing them there eventually remains to be seen. But I stand by what I've said before: he's doing a good job so far, and hopefully will continue to do so!

Anyway, back to business as usual tomorrow night, with Sheffield vs Aberdeen in the penultimate second round match. And OC and Mastermind return to normality as well. Back with my usual write-up tomorrow night, so, until then, sayonara...

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