Evening all. An interesting match tonight, for me anyway; those who've been following this blog since its inception may recall that one of the very first episodes of UC I covered on this blog was the exact same fixture! In fact, had tonight's episode been shown last week instead, it would've been exactly six years to the day! Shame! Anyway, enough pedantry, on with the show...
Strathclyde University was founded by John Anderson of Glasgow Uni in 1796 as the Anderson Institute, becoming a university in 1964. Alumni include TV pioneer John Logie Baird, explorer David Livingstone, and musician Lauren Mayberry, whose music you may recall appeared on the show last series! As did the uni itself, who lost to Emmanuel in the second round. This year's foursome were:
Billy Hogg, from Paisley, studying Politics
Thomas Callan, from Stirling, studying Mechanical Engineering
Captain: Jack Pollock, from Gourock in Inverclyde, studying Aeromechanical Engineering
Catherine Ember, from Berkshire, studying Optical Medical Imaging
Durham University is the third oldest in England, founded in 1837; like Oxbridge, it operates collegiately, but for different reasons, thus it enters singularly. Alumni include various BBC luminaries, including George Alagiah, Gabby Logan and Jeremy Vine, as well as cricketers Nasser Hussain and Andrew Strauss and Mo Salah lookalike (his words not mine!) Nish Kumar. It has regularly sent teams to UC in the BBC era, winning in 1999-2000. This year's quartet were:
Sian Round, from the Wirral, studying English
Cameron Yule, from London, studying English
Captain: Matthew Toynbee, from Derbyshire, studying Maths
Ben Murray, from Cheshire, studying Chemistry
Off we set again then, and Mr Murray opened the night's scoring for Durham; two bonuses on the work of Daniel (totally not related to Jermain) Defoe gave them two correct answers, and an unlucky near miss on the other. A repeat performance from the Durham right winger was followed by a full house on cricketers, which Mr Yule answered all by himself! He then added a starter to the tally as well, and another two bonuses went with it. After a slip-up set them back, Strathclyde now opened their score thanks to Mr Pollock, and they too took two bonuses. The first picture round, on diagrams of Men's World Cup winning teams' routes to victory, went to Strathclyde, who picked up where Mr Logan and his knowledge of Euro 16 left off last series, with a full house, taking the scores to 65-40.
Already a high scoring show, and it carried on, as Ms Round handed Durham back possession, and two bonuses on modern feminism followed. Mr Toynbee then offered 'arsenic', making sure all four Durham players already had at least one starter answered, and another two bonuses took them, already, into three figures. Mr Murray then added another with 'either and dither', before taking his turn to answer an entire bonus set, on deaths in the Lord of the Rings, all by himself! He then took another starter to boot, and the side answered the same two bonuses correctly as I did. Already, they were looking imperious, and despite Strathclyde's equally good bonus rate, they were up against it.
The music round, on satire in opera, went to Durham, who added another two bonuses, taking their lead to 170-40. And it was only getting larger as Mr Toynbee, quick as a flash, offered 'quartz and quasar', and all three bonuses were taken as well. Mr Yule was next with 'Lady Chatterly's Lover', but finally Durham showed some weakness as they only took one bonus. Strathclyde finally buzzed back in, but only managed to drop back five; Durham couldn't pick up, and neither side took the next starter either. Back to normal service for Durham, as Mr Yule did the honours, and yet another full house, on biographies of Baroness M. Thatcher, took their lead to 200 points.
The second picture round, on works exhibited at the opening of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, went to Durham, who took yet another full house, and now led 260-35. And they were showing no signs of letting up, as Mr Murray took '1930s', and another two bonuses went with it. Finally, Strathclyde got some more points on the board, Mr Hogg doing the honours, and two bonuses on scientific terms ensured they wouldn't be joining the Sub 50 club.
But Durham weren't finished yet, Mr Toynbee offering 'bat' for the next starter, and an umpteenth full bonus set, on fish named after other animals, went with it, taking them past 300. And after another Durham starter, another full house, and they were officially the highest scoring UC team since I started this blog, eclipsing our friend Richard Evans' Southampton side five years ago. And they weren't finished yet, another starter and pair of bonuses putting them one starter away from the first 300+ victory in ages. Mr Yule's offer of 'stamps' gave it to them, but there was no time for bonuses; at the gong, Durham won 360-55.
A truly spectacular one sided match that has broken all sorts of records for this decade; see my Twitter feed for details. Unlucky Strathclyde, just simply outplayed, but the fact that they are on the show at all shows they must be a decent team, and their performance when they did get in backs this up; thanks to them for playing and taking it so well. Very very very very well done to Durham though, and very best of luck in the next round! I for one am looking forward to it.
The stats: Messrs Yule and Murray were joint best buzzers of the night with six each, while Messrs Hogg, Callan and Pollock all answered one each for Strathclyde. On the bonuses, Strathclyde converted a very good 7 out of 9 (with two forgivable penalties), while Durham managed a mind blowing 38 out of 48! I'll just let that speak for itself!
Next week's match: York vs St Edmund Hall Oxford
Monday, 27 August 2018
Monday, 20 August 2018
University Challenge 2018-19: Round 1: Match 5: Clare vs Hertford
Evening all. Well, I think we can safely say summer is over; for the first time this series, I am watching this with all the windows shut in my flat; was a bit drafty. Now watch it suddenly heat up again now I've said that! Anyway, on with tonight, and the second Oxbridge match of this still young series, with the usual caveats, win and go straight through, lose and hope your score is among the four highest.
Clare College is the second oldest in Cambridge, founded in 1326 by Lady Elizabeth de Clare; alumni include poet Siegfried Sassoon, writer Peter Ackroyd and British legend Sir David Attenborough. It last sent a team to UC three series ago, who were unfortunate to lose in the first round; three quarters of that team later appeared on OC as the Clareites. This year's foursome were:
Anish Naik, from Enfield in London, studying Astrophysics
Matt Nixon, from Belfast, studying Astrophysics
Captain: Andrew Gurr, from Basingstoke, studying Law
Elijah Granet, from San Diego, California, studying Politics
Hertford College Oxford is even older, founded 1282 but taking its current name in 1874; alumni include John Donne, Jonathan Swift and Evelyn Waugh, and more recently Fiona Bruce and Krishnan Guru-Murthy. Making only its second BBC appearance tonight, the first back in 2010-11 resulting in a first round defeat. This year's quartet were:
Stefi Woodgate, from South London, studying Biology
Pat Taylor, from Warwick, studying Physics
Captain: Richard Tudor, from Stourbridge, studying History
Chris Page, from Orpington in London, studying English Literature
Off we set again then, and Mr Granet picked up when his compatriate Mr Golfinos left off last week, taking the first starter, and two bonuses on words ending 'ist' went with it. Mr Tudor promptly opened Hertford's account in short order, but his side could only manage one bonus on Nobel Prize citations. A penalty then dropped the sides level; the next saw both teams sit on the buzzers until they heard 'Thomas Becket', at which point Mr Tudor won the race to say 'Henry II'. Just the one bonus followed again, though. The first picture round, on old English kennings, went to Hertford, who took two bonuses this time, taking their lead to 50-15.
Another penalty then increased the lead, before Mr Taylor just about provided a close enough answer to be accepted; bonuses on Xmas UC alumnus Samira Ahmed's critique of various 90s culture saw didn't add to their score though. A prompt buzz from Mr Nixon brought Clare back into the game, but no bonuses followed, including Mr Gurr's unlucky plumping for of the wrong Lord of the Rings volume! A second starter in a row went to the Cambridge side, and they took one bonus, just missing out on another. Mr Granet added a third in a row for Clare with 'McDonaldisation', and another single bonus took them back to within ten.
The music starter saw Mr Gurr win the buzzer race to identify Reginald Dwight's 'Rocket Man'; the bonuses, on songs listened to by Tim Peake in space, saw the Cambridge side incur the wrath of Twitter for mistaking The Who for The Beach Boys; one of the other bonuses followed, giving them a narrow lead of 65-60. Mr Tudor decided that was enough of that, identifying Paul Erdos (who Stephen Fry may or may not have stolen a QI anecdote from) to give his side the lead again, and the first full bonus set of the game accompanied. A second starter in a row went Hertford's way, as did a second full bonus set, a nice one on cryptic clues to the names of bands (eg, the horizontal bands on the flag of North Korea = White Stripes!). Mr Granet promptly seized back possession with a very prompt buzz indeed, and two bonuses were taken with it. Another penalty set them back again, followed by controversy, as Paxo allowed Mr Nixon off with a slight hesitation before answering; to be fair, he did answer just before Paxo began to rule him out, unlike other occasions I've seen this happen. One bonus followed.
The second picture round, on paintings by Manet inspired by works by Spanish artists, went to Hertford, who took another full set, giving them a lead of 135-95. Still anyone's game going into the final mins; neither side took the next starter, Mr Granet took the next, and his side into triple figures, and one bonus put them just a starter and full set away going into the home stretch.
But Mr Page took the next starter, and, though just one bonus on oxymorons followed, time was now on their side. One more starter would win it, but Mr Gurr wasn't giving in, offering 'deer' to keep his side in the game; his side took two much needed bonuses. Neither side took the next starter, amusingly offering '1' and '0' when '1/2' was the answer! Mr Gurr pulled his side within ten with 'Grand Canal', and two bonuses put the sides level for, what would surely be, the last starter of the game. Mr Granet came in early with 'Robinson', and was right! And that was the gong! Clare won, 160-150!
A rather slow match that suddenly leapt into life in the final minutes. Unlucky Hertford, unlucky to just be pipped at the post, but hopefully 150 will be good enough for the play-offs; thanks in the mean time though. Very well done Clare though, and very best of luck in the next round!
The stats: Mr Granet was the best buzzer of the night with five starters, while Mr Page was Hertford's best with four. On the bonuses, Clare converted 13 out of 30 (with three penalties), while Hertford managed 14 out of 24, so it was a game won on the buzzer.
Next week's match: Strathclyde vs Durham. Shame that wasn't this week's match, otherwise it would've been exactly six years to the day since the exact same fixture was played!
Clare College is the second oldest in Cambridge, founded in 1326 by Lady Elizabeth de Clare; alumni include poet Siegfried Sassoon, writer Peter Ackroyd and British legend Sir David Attenborough. It last sent a team to UC three series ago, who were unfortunate to lose in the first round; three quarters of that team later appeared on OC as the Clareites. This year's foursome were:
Anish Naik, from Enfield in London, studying Astrophysics
Matt Nixon, from Belfast, studying Astrophysics
Captain: Andrew Gurr, from Basingstoke, studying Law
Elijah Granet, from San Diego, California, studying Politics
Hertford College Oxford is even older, founded 1282 but taking its current name in 1874; alumni include John Donne, Jonathan Swift and Evelyn Waugh, and more recently Fiona Bruce and Krishnan Guru-Murthy. Making only its second BBC appearance tonight, the first back in 2010-11 resulting in a first round defeat. This year's quartet were:
Stefi Woodgate, from South London, studying Biology
Pat Taylor, from Warwick, studying Physics
Captain: Richard Tudor, from Stourbridge, studying History
Chris Page, from Orpington in London, studying English Literature
Off we set again then, and Mr Granet picked up when his compatriate Mr Golfinos left off last week, taking the first starter, and two bonuses on words ending 'ist' went with it. Mr Tudor promptly opened Hertford's account in short order, but his side could only manage one bonus on Nobel Prize citations. A penalty then dropped the sides level; the next saw both teams sit on the buzzers until they heard 'Thomas Becket', at which point Mr Tudor won the race to say 'Henry II'. Just the one bonus followed again, though. The first picture round, on old English kennings, went to Hertford, who took two bonuses this time, taking their lead to 50-15.
Another penalty then increased the lead, before Mr Taylor just about provided a close enough answer to be accepted; bonuses on Xmas UC alumnus Samira Ahmed's critique of various 90s culture saw didn't add to their score though. A prompt buzz from Mr Nixon brought Clare back into the game, but no bonuses followed, including Mr Gurr's unlucky plumping for of the wrong Lord of the Rings volume! A second starter in a row went to the Cambridge side, and they took one bonus, just missing out on another. Mr Granet added a third in a row for Clare with 'McDonaldisation', and another single bonus took them back to within ten.
The music starter saw Mr Gurr win the buzzer race to identify Reginald Dwight's 'Rocket Man'; the bonuses, on songs listened to by Tim Peake in space, saw the Cambridge side incur the wrath of Twitter for mistaking The Who for The Beach Boys; one of the other bonuses followed, giving them a narrow lead of 65-60. Mr Tudor decided that was enough of that, identifying Paul Erdos (who Stephen Fry may or may not have stolen a QI anecdote from) to give his side the lead again, and the first full bonus set of the game accompanied. A second starter in a row went Hertford's way, as did a second full bonus set, a nice one on cryptic clues to the names of bands (eg, the horizontal bands on the flag of North Korea = White Stripes!). Mr Granet promptly seized back possession with a very prompt buzz indeed, and two bonuses were taken with it. Another penalty set them back again, followed by controversy, as Paxo allowed Mr Nixon off with a slight hesitation before answering; to be fair, he did answer just before Paxo began to rule him out, unlike other occasions I've seen this happen. One bonus followed.
The second picture round, on paintings by Manet inspired by works by Spanish artists, went to Hertford, who took another full set, giving them a lead of 135-95. Still anyone's game going into the final mins; neither side took the next starter, Mr Granet took the next, and his side into triple figures, and one bonus put them just a starter and full set away going into the home stretch.
But Mr Page took the next starter, and, though just one bonus on oxymorons followed, time was now on their side. One more starter would win it, but Mr Gurr wasn't giving in, offering 'deer' to keep his side in the game; his side took two much needed bonuses. Neither side took the next starter, amusingly offering '1' and '0' when '1/2' was the answer! Mr Gurr pulled his side within ten with 'Grand Canal', and two bonuses put the sides level for, what would surely be, the last starter of the game. Mr Granet came in early with 'Robinson', and was right! And that was the gong! Clare won, 160-150!
A rather slow match that suddenly leapt into life in the final minutes. Unlucky Hertford, unlucky to just be pipped at the post, but hopefully 150 will be good enough for the play-offs; thanks in the mean time though. Very well done Clare though, and very best of luck in the next round!
The stats: Mr Granet was the best buzzer of the night with five starters, while Mr Page was Hertford's best with four. On the bonuses, Clare converted 13 out of 30 (with three penalties), while Hertford managed 14 out of 24, so it was a game won on the buzzer.
Next week's match: Strathclyde vs Durham. Shame that wasn't this week's match, otherwise it would've been exactly six years to the day since the exact same fixture was played!
Monday, 13 August 2018
University Challenge 2018-19: Round 1: Match 4: SOAS vs Darwin
Evening all. We're back after our week off, a week off I was planning to use to go away for a few days, but unfortunately my plans fell through, leaving me stuck here with very little to do, but anticipate tonight's game! Two colleges, one experienced, one rookie, both catering for mature students, one would definitely proceed to the second round, the runners-up might yet too!
The London School of Oriental and African Studies, or SOAS, was founded in 1916; noted alumni include politicians Enoch Powell, Aung San Suu Kyi and David Lammy and comedian Dom Joly, who appeared for the college on Christmas UC IIRC. It has occasionally sent teams to UC, last appearing two series ago and reaching the semis in 2013-14. This year's foursome were:
Mark Thomas, from Newcastle, studying Global Cinema
Chad Beaman, from London, studying Japanese
Captain: Harriet Gemmill, from London, studying Sinology
Tom Pollitt, from Bristol, studying International Law
Darwin College Cambridge is one of Cambridge's newer colleges, founded in 1964, and is strictly postgrads only. Alumni include primatologist Dian Fossey and cloner Sir Ian Wilmut. This is, as far as we know, the college's first ever UC appearance, but we don't have full stats for the ITV era. Tonight's team were:
Stuart MacPherson, from Bothwell in South Lanarkshire, studying Physics
Christopher Davis, from London (via California), studying Plant Science
Captain: Jason Golfinos, from New York City, studying Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Guy Mulley, from Loughton in Essex, studying Law
Off we set again then, and Mr Golfinos opened the scoring for the night with 'Jade'; bonuses on the year 1997, a year I know quite a bit about, gave them one correct answer, and a nice swipe at Mel C from the Paxomeister! Neither team knew Sofia Coppola for the next starter (I did, having heard the same question on UC before), Mr Thomas took SOAS off the mark by identifying the first two seats won by the SDP; two bonuses on Greek myth gave the Londoners a five point lead. Darwin retook it when Mr Golfinos took the next starter, and the side took two of the resultant bonuses. The first picture round, on Latin maxims and their general senses, went to Darwin, who took another two correct, giving them a lead of 55-20.
Mr Beaman then lost five on the next starter, and Mr Golfinos didn't wait for any more to come before picking up the correct answer; another two correct bonuses were converted. The Darwin captain wasn't letting up as he took yet another starter, and his side swept the board on the bonuses, on computer games. His side were already at their century, and when SOAS dropped another five and that man Mr Golfinos picked up again, their lead was into three figures too. All three bonuses were followed by yet another starter to Darwin's irrepressible captain, and another two bonuses, and already you'd think they were home and dry.
The music starter was yet another Mr Golfinos added to his haul; the bonuses, on big band leaders from the swing era, gave the Cambridge side two points, and took their lead to 165-10. Paxo felt the need to let SOAS know there was still time left, and Mr Pollitt tried his luck on the next starter, but couldn't convert; nor could Darwin. Yet another superb early buzz from the Darwin captain unlocked bonuses on director Julie Taymor, of which two followed. Then, for once, Mr Golfinos came in too early, allowing SOAS to finally break back into the game; two bonuses followed, of which I took one as well. It proved but a blip though, as the Darwin captain was back on the money with the next starter; bonuses on the work of comedy writer Chris Morris, including the classic 'cake' from Brass Eye, gave them another two answers. Mr Beaman then did the right thing and took an early flyer, but it fell wide, dropping five; Mr MacPherson did the honours for Darwin this time, and the side smashed through the 200 barrier with another full house.
The second picture round, on stills from hand drawn animated films, went to SOAS, who took two bonuses, which took the scores to 220-45. A second starter in a row to the London side ensured they wouldn't be joining the Sub-50 club, and a full set of bonuses put them within sight of three figure respectability. But another slip-up set them back five, and allowed that man Golfinos to take the pick-up; bonuses on British birds gave them two correct answers.
Now, it was just a question of how much either side could score. Darwin's brilliant captain added yet another starter to his mightily impressive tally, but his side dropped all three bonuses on Dickens (I knew one of them thanks to WWTBAM). Mr Beaman took another starter for SOAS, and bonuses on astronomy gave them just the one correct answer. Another interruption, however, then dropped them back further, and gave Darwin the points and bonuses on cricket trophies, of which one was taken. They couldn't quite manage a 200+ win however, the final starter of the game going to SOAS, who took the one bonus there was time for. At the gong, Darwin won 260-90.
Another rather one sided game, but it still made for compelling viewing nonetheless. Unlucky SOAS, a perfectly decent team who would almost certainly have won another fixture, and who took the defeat in good grace; thanks very much to them. Very well done to Darwin though, Mr Golfinos especially, and very best of luck in the second round!
The stats: Mr Golfinos ended the match with THIRTEEN(!) (that's ONE THREE) starters to his name, which, unless I'm mistaken (which I could well be), is the highest individual tally in a single match since the legendary Alex Guttenplan scored the same in the 2009-10 final! Mr Beaman was best for SOAS with three. On the bonuses, SOAS converted a respectable 11 out of 17 (with five penalties), while Darwin managed an excellent 26 out of 42 (with two penalties); definitely one to watch in the next round!
Next week's match: Clare College Cambridge vs Hertford College Oxford
The London School of Oriental and African Studies, or SOAS, was founded in 1916; noted alumni include politicians Enoch Powell, Aung San Suu Kyi and David Lammy and comedian Dom Joly, who appeared for the college on Christmas UC IIRC. It has occasionally sent teams to UC, last appearing two series ago and reaching the semis in 2013-14. This year's foursome were:
Mark Thomas, from Newcastle, studying Global Cinema
Chad Beaman, from London, studying Japanese
Captain: Harriet Gemmill, from London, studying Sinology
Tom Pollitt, from Bristol, studying International Law
Darwin College Cambridge is one of Cambridge's newer colleges, founded in 1964, and is strictly postgrads only. Alumni include primatologist Dian Fossey and cloner Sir Ian Wilmut. This is, as far as we know, the college's first ever UC appearance, but we don't have full stats for the ITV era. Tonight's team were:
Stuart MacPherson, from Bothwell in South Lanarkshire, studying Physics
Christopher Davis, from London (via California), studying Plant Science
Captain: Jason Golfinos, from New York City, studying Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Guy Mulley, from Loughton in Essex, studying Law
Off we set again then, and Mr Golfinos opened the scoring for the night with 'Jade'; bonuses on the year 1997, a year I know quite a bit about, gave them one correct answer, and a nice swipe at Mel C from the Paxomeister! Neither team knew Sofia Coppola for the next starter (I did, having heard the same question on UC before), Mr Thomas took SOAS off the mark by identifying the first two seats won by the SDP; two bonuses on Greek myth gave the Londoners a five point lead. Darwin retook it when Mr Golfinos took the next starter, and the side took two of the resultant bonuses. The first picture round, on Latin maxims and their general senses, went to Darwin, who took another two correct, giving them a lead of 55-20.
Mr Beaman then lost five on the next starter, and Mr Golfinos didn't wait for any more to come before picking up the correct answer; another two correct bonuses were converted. The Darwin captain wasn't letting up as he took yet another starter, and his side swept the board on the bonuses, on computer games. His side were already at their century, and when SOAS dropped another five and that man Mr Golfinos picked up again, their lead was into three figures too. All three bonuses were followed by yet another starter to Darwin's irrepressible captain, and another two bonuses, and already you'd think they were home and dry.
The music starter was yet another Mr Golfinos added to his haul; the bonuses, on big band leaders from the swing era, gave the Cambridge side two points, and took their lead to 165-10. Paxo felt the need to let SOAS know there was still time left, and Mr Pollitt tried his luck on the next starter, but couldn't convert; nor could Darwin. Yet another superb early buzz from the Darwin captain unlocked bonuses on director Julie Taymor, of which two followed. Then, for once, Mr Golfinos came in too early, allowing SOAS to finally break back into the game; two bonuses followed, of which I took one as well. It proved but a blip though, as the Darwin captain was back on the money with the next starter; bonuses on the work of comedy writer Chris Morris, including the classic 'cake' from Brass Eye, gave them another two answers. Mr Beaman then did the right thing and took an early flyer, but it fell wide, dropping five; Mr MacPherson did the honours for Darwin this time, and the side smashed through the 200 barrier with another full house.
The second picture round, on stills from hand drawn animated films, went to SOAS, who took two bonuses, which took the scores to 220-45. A second starter in a row to the London side ensured they wouldn't be joining the Sub-50 club, and a full set of bonuses put them within sight of three figure respectability. But another slip-up set them back five, and allowed that man Golfinos to take the pick-up; bonuses on British birds gave them two correct answers.
Now, it was just a question of how much either side could score. Darwin's brilliant captain added yet another starter to his mightily impressive tally, but his side dropped all three bonuses on Dickens (I knew one of them thanks to WWTBAM). Mr Beaman took another starter for SOAS, and bonuses on astronomy gave them just the one correct answer. Another interruption, however, then dropped them back further, and gave Darwin the points and bonuses on cricket trophies, of which one was taken. They couldn't quite manage a 200+ win however, the final starter of the game going to SOAS, who took the one bonus there was time for. At the gong, Darwin won 260-90.
Another rather one sided game, but it still made for compelling viewing nonetheless. Unlucky SOAS, a perfectly decent team who would almost certainly have won another fixture, and who took the defeat in good grace; thanks very much to them. Very well done to Darwin though, Mr Golfinos especially, and very best of luck in the second round!
The stats: Mr Golfinos ended the match with THIRTEEN(!) (that's ONE THREE) starters to his name, which, unless I'm mistaken (which I could well be), is the highest individual tally in a single match since the legendary Alex Guttenplan scored the same in the 2009-10 final! Mr Beaman was best for SOAS with three. On the bonuses, SOAS converted a respectable 11 out of 17 (with five penalties), while Darwin managed an excellent 26 out of 42 (with two penalties); definitely one to watch in the next round!
Next week's match: Clare College Cambridge vs Hertford College Oxford
Monday, 30 July 2018
University Challenge 2018-19: Round 1: Match 3: Pembroke vs Downing
Evening all. What started as a nice day, a good antidote to the rather wet and windy weekend, seems to have developed back into rain now. So I guess its down to UC to brighten up the evening again. After the storming (not sure if pun intended) start to the series, hopes are high going into the first Oxbridge match of the series, ignoring the fact that the third game of the series has been rather one sided for the past two series. What next? Let's see...
Pembroke College Oxford was founded in 1624, and it's alumni include Samuel Johnson of the Dictionary, James Smithson of the Smithsonian and Lord Heseltine of the House of Lords. Unlike its Cambridge namesake, it hasn't featured much in the BBC series, only appearing twice before, most recently in the Gail Trimble series of 08-09, where they were beaten in the play-offs. This year's foursome were:
Connor McGurk, from Sedgwick in Cumbria, studying Earth Sciences
Tom Lambert, from London, studying History and Spanish
Captain: Katherine Perry, from Birmingham, studying Theology
Louie Morris, from Kingston-upon-Thames, studying History
Downing College Cambridge was founded in 1800, and named after Sir George Downing, who built the street of the same name; its alumni include comedy legends John Cleese and Andy Hamilton, the late Michael Winner, and, if you remember a comment from this blog from last series, my Grandfather. It has been slightly more prolific under Paxo's watch, appearing five prior times, most recently in 2013-14. This year's quartet were:
Fergus O'Dowd, from Winchester, studying Linguistics
Jane O'Connor, from Dublin, studying Human, Social and Political Sciences
Captain: Yanbo Yin, from Beijing, studying Physics
Felix Prutton, from Wootton in Norfolk, studying Natural Sciences
Off we set again then, and Downing set the ball rolling for the night with Ms O'Connor identifying 'Prince', the big clue being the late musician. The Cambridge side took a full set of bonuses, only to then lose a third of the resultant points to a penalty; Mr McGurk picked up for Pembroke, and his side took one of their first bonuses. Another five went down the Downing drain, but their opponents did not pick this one up; Mr Morris took the next starter though, and bonuses on architecture gave them another correct answer. The first picture round, on road maps of European countries, went to Downing, who took a second full bonus set, and reclaimed the lead, 40-30.
Mr Yin, about to embark on a very profitable night, opened his account with 'Haydn', but, in contrast to their earlier sets, his side took none from a set on Iron Maiden's album 'Number of the Beast', much to the Twittersphere's disbelief! Mr McGurk pulled Pembroke back into the game, and his side drew level with two bonuses on biology. A penalty then gave Downing the lead back again; Mr Yin picked up, and they returned to form with a full set of bonuses. Another Pembroke slip-up, another Downing pick-up, and another full bonus set later, the Cambridge side suddenly had a 60-point lead.
The music round, on pieces whose manuscripts are housed in the British Library, went to Downing; none of the bonuses followed this time, but they now led 110-40. And it increased again when Mr Yin took a starter on his home country, and took two bonuses on philosophy, unluckily missing the other by a forename. The Cambridge captain firmly had the bit between his teeth, as he took his latest starter; just one bonus followed this time, but his side now had a 100+ lead. Mr Lambert finally broke Pembroke back into the game, with Paxo, unusually, not ticking him off for a slight pause before answering; the Oxford side duly took a full set of bonuses, showing that perhaps they weren't giving in yet.
The second picture round, on paintings from the Lady Lever gallery, went to Downing, who took one bonus, which increased their lead to 160-65. Another starter to the irrepressible Mr Yin, another full bonus set (one of which I took, 'Titan', thanks Red Dwarf!), and that was game over.
Now it was just a question of how much more either team could score. Mr Yin seemed determined to make sure his side got the better of that, as he promptly took yet another starter, and another two bonuses followed, giving the Cambridge side the highest score of the series thus far. And it got bigger when that man Yin took yet another starter, and yet another full house followed suit. Pembroke did take the final starter of the game, Ms Perry doing the honours, but her side could not take either of the two bonuses there was time for. At the gong, Downing won 230-75.
A game of two halves, close in the first half, then Downing ran away in the second. Unlucky Pembroke, a perfectly respectable team who didn't deserve to lose like that, and I suspect would've beaten another team; thanks very much to them for playing. Well done Downing though, and very best of luck to them in the next round!
The stats: Mr Yin ended the night by far the best buzzer, with NINE(!) starters to his name, while Mr McGurk was Pembroke's best with two (his colleagues all took one). On the bonuses, Pembroke converted a respectable 7 out of 14, while Downing managed a very decent 24 out of 36, and both sides incurred two penalties.
No match next week, we resume on the 13th.
Pembroke College Oxford was founded in 1624, and it's alumni include Samuel Johnson of the Dictionary, James Smithson of the Smithsonian and Lord Heseltine of the House of Lords. Unlike its Cambridge namesake, it hasn't featured much in the BBC series, only appearing twice before, most recently in the Gail Trimble series of 08-09, where they were beaten in the play-offs. This year's foursome were:
Connor McGurk, from Sedgwick in Cumbria, studying Earth Sciences
Tom Lambert, from London, studying History and Spanish
Captain: Katherine Perry, from Birmingham, studying Theology
Louie Morris, from Kingston-upon-Thames, studying History
Downing College Cambridge was founded in 1800, and named after Sir George Downing, who built the street of the same name; its alumni include comedy legends John Cleese and Andy Hamilton, the late Michael Winner, and, if you remember a comment from this blog from last series, my Grandfather. It has been slightly more prolific under Paxo's watch, appearing five prior times, most recently in 2013-14. This year's quartet were:
Fergus O'Dowd, from Winchester, studying Linguistics
Jane O'Connor, from Dublin, studying Human, Social and Political Sciences
Captain: Yanbo Yin, from Beijing, studying Physics
Felix Prutton, from Wootton in Norfolk, studying Natural Sciences
Off we set again then, and Downing set the ball rolling for the night with Ms O'Connor identifying 'Prince', the big clue being the late musician. The Cambridge side took a full set of bonuses, only to then lose a third of the resultant points to a penalty; Mr McGurk picked up for Pembroke, and his side took one of their first bonuses. Another five went down the Downing drain, but their opponents did not pick this one up; Mr Morris took the next starter though, and bonuses on architecture gave them another correct answer. The first picture round, on road maps of European countries, went to Downing, who took a second full bonus set, and reclaimed the lead, 40-30.
Mr Yin, about to embark on a very profitable night, opened his account with 'Haydn', but, in contrast to their earlier sets, his side took none from a set on Iron Maiden's album 'Number of the Beast', much to the Twittersphere's disbelief! Mr McGurk pulled Pembroke back into the game, and his side drew level with two bonuses on biology. A penalty then gave Downing the lead back again; Mr Yin picked up, and they returned to form with a full set of bonuses. Another Pembroke slip-up, another Downing pick-up, and another full bonus set later, the Cambridge side suddenly had a 60-point lead.
The music round, on pieces whose manuscripts are housed in the British Library, went to Downing; none of the bonuses followed this time, but they now led 110-40. And it increased again when Mr Yin took a starter on his home country, and took two bonuses on philosophy, unluckily missing the other by a forename. The Cambridge captain firmly had the bit between his teeth, as he took his latest starter; just one bonus followed this time, but his side now had a 100+ lead. Mr Lambert finally broke Pembroke back into the game, with Paxo, unusually, not ticking him off for a slight pause before answering; the Oxford side duly took a full set of bonuses, showing that perhaps they weren't giving in yet.
The second picture round, on paintings from the Lady Lever gallery, went to Downing, who took one bonus, which increased their lead to 160-65. Another starter to the irrepressible Mr Yin, another full bonus set (one of which I took, 'Titan', thanks Red Dwarf!), and that was game over.
Now it was just a question of how much more either team could score. Mr Yin seemed determined to make sure his side got the better of that, as he promptly took yet another starter, and another two bonuses followed, giving the Cambridge side the highest score of the series thus far. And it got bigger when that man Yin took yet another starter, and yet another full house followed suit. Pembroke did take the final starter of the game, Ms Perry doing the honours, but her side could not take either of the two bonuses there was time for. At the gong, Downing won 230-75.
A game of two halves, close in the first half, then Downing ran away in the second. Unlucky Pembroke, a perfectly respectable team who didn't deserve to lose like that, and I suspect would've beaten another team; thanks very much to them for playing. Well done Downing though, and very best of luck to them in the next round!
The stats: Mr Yin ended the night by far the best buzzer, with NINE(!) starters to his name, while Mr McGurk was Pembroke's best with two (his colleagues all took one). On the bonuses, Pembroke converted a respectable 7 out of 14, while Downing managed a very decent 24 out of 36, and both sides incurred two penalties.
No match next week, we resume on the 13th.
Monday, 23 July 2018
University Challenge 2018-19: Round 1: Match 2: Emmanuel vs Glasgow
Evening all. After the excellent start to the series last week, could this second encounter keep the early momentum going? I certainly hope so; had a rough day, had little sleep last night due to this infernal heatwave, perked up at work this morning, but then something went wrong with my ready meal and I had to have toast for dinner instead! What I needed to cheer me up was a good match, and I'm glad to say I am satisfied!
Emmanuel College Cambridge began life as a training school for Protestant preachers, and is now one Cambridge's largest colleges; alumni include writer Sebastian Foulkes and Griff Rhys Jones, one of Britain's foremost Welsh comedians (or, as Angus Deayton once claimed, 'four most Welsh comedians'!). The college won UC in 2009-10 under the captaincy of the legendary Alex Guttenplan, and is appearing for the third series in a row, its last two teams having reached the semis and quarters respectively. This year's foursome, with a lot to live up to, were:
Connor MacDonald, from New Brunswick, Canada, studying Politics and International Relations
Vedanth Nair, from Kings Lynn, studying Economics
Captain: Daniella Cugini, from Warwick, studying English
Ben Harris, from Bath, studying Geology
Glasgow University is the second oldest university in Scotland, founded by James II (of Scotland) in 1451. Alumni include TV inventor John Logie Baird, comedian turned dancer Susan Calman and politicians Nicola Sturgeon and Sir Vince Cable. After also appearing in three series running, it sat out last year's tournament; the team from two years ago narrowly lost a low scoring first round match. This year's quartet were:
Lewis Barn, from Airdrie, studying Professional Legal Practice
Freya Whiteford, from Bonybridge near Falkirk, studying Physics with Astrophysics
Captain: James Hampson, from Cheshire, studying Medicine
Cameron Herbert, from West Yorkshire, studying Sociology and Quantatitive Methods
Off we set again then, and Mr Hampson set the ball rolling with, ironically, the answer wrongly offered for the first starter last week, 'night'! Two bonuses were taken. Mr Harris opened Emmanuel's account promptly, but they could take just one of their first bonuses. Mr Barn, who you may remember from the last series of Only Connect, came in very quickly with 'Alfred Hitchcock', and his side pushed their advantage with another two correct bonuses. The first picture round, on islands that multiple countries have land on, including Borneo, where my late grandmother hailed from, went to Emmanuel; all three bonuses followed, leaving the scores level at 40-each.
Mr MacDonald put Emmanuel in front with the next starter, but just the one bonus followed again this time. Another good quick buzz from Mr Barn, not that unreminiscent of the famous '1 6 15 20 15 6 1' from last series, closed the gap again, and one bonus on animals whose names are composed of those of two others, such as Whale Shark and Spider Monkey, put the teams level again. Ms Cugini gave her side the lead again, and this time two bonuses, including what looked like an educated guess of 'Tracey Emin', were accompanied. Again, Glasgow bit back via Mr Barn, but this time, they could only take one, leaving a gap. An unfortunate offer of 'byt' instead of 'byte' by Glasgow gave Emmanuel a bigger lead, and they pushed home with a full bonus set on German political parties.
The music round saw Mr Hampson quickly recognise Debbie Harry of Blondie; the bonuses, on English pop songs with foreign language interludes, gave Glasgow a full set of their own, pulling them back to 100-95. Good game so far, and it carried on, as Emmanuel took the lead again with 'earwig', and another full set pulled them further away again. Back came Glasgow again though, with Mr Herbert taking his first starter of the night, and, again, they took a full set, on physics, so gap back to five. It became nothing when Mr Nair was pedantically docked five, but Glasgow couldn't take advantage. Another starter was dropped, before Ms Whiteford gave Glasgow the lead for the first time in a while; the bonuses gave a mention of Chirk, which I mainly know of via a story of a canal boat incident told by my grandfather, but Glasgow could take none of them.
The second picture round, on comedy characters created by Armando Iannucci, who took a timely full set (I called 'The Thick of It' being one of them before the first came up!), and now led 155-120. 'Starlings' increased that lead, as did two of the resultant bonuses. Back fought Emmanuel though, Mr Nair offering his favourite obscure World Cup fixture in 'Egypt and Saudi Arabia'! The Cambridge side took the same two bonuses I did, and were still very much in the game.
A penalty increased their chances, as did Mr Harris picking up the drop, and the resultant bonuses pulled the Cambridge side within ten again. The lead doubled when Mr Herbert zagged with 'David Hockney' after Mr Nair zigged with 'Damien Hurst'; one bonus meant they were realistically within one starter of victory. The next two were dropped though, though Glasgow's case was helped when Emmanuel were, again, pedantically fined five. Ms Cugini kept their hopes alive with 'Far From the Madding Crowd' though, and two bonuses were quickly taken. But when Mr Hampson took, what turned out to be the last starter of the game, that was game over. There was time for the bonuses, of which one was taken; at the gong, Glasgow won 200-175.
Another excellent match, this series off to a fine start, and thankfully those two 'penalties' didn't affect the outcome. Unlucky Emmanuel, but a very respectable showing, and I'm pretty sure 175 will be enough for the play-offs, hopefully see yous again. Well done Glasgow though, and very best of luck in the second round!
The stats: Mr Hampson was the best buzzer of the night, with five, while Mr MacDonald was Emmanuel's best with three. On the bonuses, Emmanuel converted 19 out of 27 (with two 'penalties'), while Glasgow managed 19 out of 33 (with one penalty), so it was two extra starters that won the game. Also, all eight players answered at least one starter, which we all like to see.
Next week's match: Pembroke College Oxford vs Downing College Cambridge
Emmanuel College Cambridge began life as a training school for Protestant preachers, and is now one Cambridge's largest colleges; alumni include writer Sebastian Foulkes and Griff Rhys Jones, one of Britain's foremost Welsh comedians (or, as Angus Deayton once claimed, 'four most Welsh comedians'!). The college won UC in 2009-10 under the captaincy of the legendary Alex Guttenplan, and is appearing for the third series in a row, its last two teams having reached the semis and quarters respectively. This year's foursome, with a lot to live up to, were:
Connor MacDonald, from New Brunswick, Canada, studying Politics and International Relations
Vedanth Nair, from Kings Lynn, studying Economics
Captain: Daniella Cugini, from Warwick, studying English
Ben Harris, from Bath, studying Geology
Glasgow University is the second oldest university in Scotland, founded by James II (of Scotland) in 1451. Alumni include TV inventor John Logie Baird, comedian turned dancer Susan Calman and politicians Nicola Sturgeon and Sir Vince Cable. After also appearing in three series running, it sat out last year's tournament; the team from two years ago narrowly lost a low scoring first round match. This year's quartet were:
Lewis Barn, from Airdrie, studying Professional Legal Practice
Freya Whiteford, from Bonybridge near Falkirk, studying Physics with Astrophysics
Captain: James Hampson, from Cheshire, studying Medicine
Cameron Herbert, from West Yorkshire, studying Sociology and Quantatitive Methods
Off we set again then, and Mr Hampson set the ball rolling with, ironically, the answer wrongly offered for the first starter last week, 'night'! Two bonuses were taken. Mr Harris opened Emmanuel's account promptly, but they could take just one of their first bonuses. Mr Barn, who you may remember from the last series of Only Connect, came in very quickly with 'Alfred Hitchcock', and his side pushed their advantage with another two correct bonuses. The first picture round, on islands that multiple countries have land on, including Borneo, where my late grandmother hailed from, went to Emmanuel; all three bonuses followed, leaving the scores level at 40-each.
Mr MacDonald put Emmanuel in front with the next starter, but just the one bonus followed again this time. Another good quick buzz from Mr Barn, not that unreminiscent of the famous '1 6 15 20 15 6 1' from last series, closed the gap again, and one bonus on animals whose names are composed of those of two others, such as Whale Shark and Spider Monkey, put the teams level again. Ms Cugini gave her side the lead again, and this time two bonuses, including what looked like an educated guess of 'Tracey Emin', were accompanied. Again, Glasgow bit back via Mr Barn, but this time, they could only take one, leaving a gap. An unfortunate offer of 'byt' instead of 'byte' by Glasgow gave Emmanuel a bigger lead, and they pushed home with a full bonus set on German political parties.
The music round saw Mr Hampson quickly recognise Debbie Harry of Blondie; the bonuses, on English pop songs with foreign language interludes, gave Glasgow a full set of their own, pulling them back to 100-95. Good game so far, and it carried on, as Emmanuel took the lead again with 'earwig', and another full set pulled them further away again. Back came Glasgow again though, with Mr Herbert taking his first starter of the night, and, again, they took a full set, on physics, so gap back to five. It became nothing when Mr Nair was pedantically docked five, but Glasgow couldn't take advantage. Another starter was dropped, before Ms Whiteford gave Glasgow the lead for the first time in a while; the bonuses gave a mention of Chirk, which I mainly know of via a story of a canal boat incident told by my grandfather, but Glasgow could take none of them.
The second picture round, on comedy characters created by Armando Iannucci, who took a timely full set (I called 'The Thick of It' being one of them before the first came up!), and now led 155-120. 'Starlings' increased that lead, as did two of the resultant bonuses. Back fought Emmanuel though, Mr Nair offering his favourite obscure World Cup fixture in 'Egypt and Saudi Arabia'! The Cambridge side took the same two bonuses I did, and were still very much in the game.
A penalty increased their chances, as did Mr Harris picking up the drop, and the resultant bonuses pulled the Cambridge side within ten again. The lead doubled when Mr Herbert zagged with 'David Hockney' after Mr Nair zigged with 'Damien Hurst'; one bonus meant they were realistically within one starter of victory. The next two were dropped though, though Glasgow's case was helped when Emmanuel were, again, pedantically fined five. Ms Cugini kept their hopes alive with 'Far From the Madding Crowd' though, and two bonuses were quickly taken. But when Mr Hampson took, what turned out to be the last starter of the game, that was game over. There was time for the bonuses, of which one was taken; at the gong, Glasgow won 200-175.
Another excellent match, this series off to a fine start, and thankfully those two 'penalties' didn't affect the outcome. Unlucky Emmanuel, but a very respectable showing, and I'm pretty sure 175 will be enough for the play-offs, hopefully see yous again. Well done Glasgow though, and very best of luck in the second round!
The stats: Mr Hampson was the best buzzer of the night, with five, while Mr MacDonald was Emmanuel's best with three. On the bonuses, Emmanuel converted 19 out of 27 (with two 'penalties'), while Glasgow managed 19 out of 33 (with one penalty), so it was two extra starters that won the game. Also, all eight players answered at least one starter, which we all like to see.
Next week's match: Pembroke College Oxford vs Downing College Cambridge
Monday, 16 July 2018
University Challenge 2018-19: Round 1: Match 1: Warwick vs Exeter
Evening all. Here we go again, on another 37 week long series of University Challenge! And we really needed it today too, what with the World Cup and Wimbledon both ending yesterday. It'll take something to top the high drama and unpredictability of the best World Cup century thus far (Jonathan Pearce's OTT commentary when Germany went out will forever live in my memory!), but I'm sure UC, and OC when it comes back later in the year, will give it a go. Anyway, lets do this...
First up this series, we had Warwick University; confusingly based in Coventry rather than Warwick, it came into being in 1965, and among its former students are Frank Skinner, Ruth Jones, Stephen Merchant and David Davis MP, whose resignation last week was met with much disappointment in the Dead Ringers writing room! It has regularly sent teams to UC, winning in 2006-07, and unluckily losing to our old friends Ulster in the second round last series. This year's foursome were:
Emily Wolfenden, from Dereham in Norfolk, studying Maths
Jacopo Sartori, from Italy, studying Maths
Captain: Ben Beardsley, from Settle in North Yorkshire, studying Maths
Robert Gowers, from Market Harborough, studying Neuroscience
Playing them were Exeter University, which came into being in 1955 with the merging of three existing institutions in the vicinity of the city; its alumni include wildlife expert Steve Backshall, musicians Will Young and Tom Yorke and the writer JK Rowling. It too has been a regular sender of teams to the UC studios, with varying degrees of success; its last foray came back in 2014-15, when they lost their first match and were ultra incredibly unfortunate to miss out on the play-offs. This year's quartet were:
Simon Waitland, from Hitchin in Hertfordshire, studying Natural Sciences
Will Klintworth, from Woking, studying Politics and International Relations
Captain: Danny Lay, from Oxford, studying Physics
Jessica Brown, from Chichester, studying Acoustic Metamaterials
Off we set again then, and the new series kicked off with... a pedantic 'interruption'. Terrific(!) Exeter took the correct points, and began the series with two bonuses on words whose etymologies are unknown, with the third unluckily missed. A second starter in a row went Exeter's way, and they stamped their authority on the game with the first full house of the series. Another penalty didn't help Warwick's cause, but Miss Wolfenden opened their account by identifying MB as the only consonants in the words described; two bonuses moved them back into positive figures. The first picture round of the series, on that old quiz staple the periodic table, requiring missing elements to be identified, went to Exeter; two correct answers gave them an early lead of 65-10.
Mr Beardsley now opened his scoring account, and doubled his side's score, but they couldn't add to the score with any bonuses. Mr Klintworth added to Exeter's score with 'Gore Vidal', and his side took a second full house of the night. Still plenty of time for Warwick to catch up, and Mr Beardsley added to their cause with 'Angels in America'; one bonus on the work of Bob Dylan followed. A second starter in a row went the Warwick captain's way, and life sciences proved more fruitful to his side, two correct there.
The first music round of the series, on classical pieces named after cities, went to Exeter, who collected two bonuses to increase their lead to 105-55. (I was listening to Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition last week, but didn't get to the end; if I had, I'd have got that first bonus!) Mr Gowers pulled another back for Warwick, and his side took two bonuses, pulling them back within sight. But Mr Lay very quickly identified the video game company 'Valve', increasing their lead; highlight of the night were the bonuses, where Exeter confused Sir Ian McKellen with Matt LeBlanc and Dame Vera Lynn with Sir Mick Jagger! ("He'll be mortified!" quoth Paxo!) Mr Beardsley fought back for Warwick, and one bonus went with it. Warwick then slipped up again, but Exeter couldn't pick up; vice versa, and this time Warwick did pick up, and one bonus was enough to put them within ten points.
What looked like an educated guess gave Warwick the second picture round, on apocalyptic paintings; just one bonus followed again, but they now had the lead, 115-110. And it increased when Miss Wolfenden came up with 'Romeo and Juliet'; bonuses on 'princes of Wales' who never became King, gave them two correct answers and some room to breath. But back came Exeter, with Mr Waitland identifying 'Oyster Catcher', and bonuses on the work of composer Wendy Carlos gave them a full set, and pulled them level again, setting up a sprint finish.
A penalty for Warwick handed Exeter the upper hand, and they took it and the lead; nothing came from the bonuses though. The next starter went missed by both sides, Miss Wolfenden then pulled Warwick back within five with 'Richmond', and the side didn't wait for Paxo to finish the two bonuses they took to give them the lead back. And when Mr Klintworth then zigged with 'Euclid' and dropped five, and Mr Gowers zagged with 'Peano', that was likely game, set and match. Exeter did take the final starter, but were gonged out before they could answer the first bonus. Warwick won 165-150.
An excellent close start to the series, two very good well matched teams, bravo to them for clapping each other at the end. Unlucky Exeter, but a very good account nonetheless, and you definitely deserve a play-off place, which 150 should be enough to get. Well done Warwick though, a fine recovery after a rather iffy start, and good luck in the next round!
The stats: Mr Beardsley was, just, the best buzzer of the night, with six starters to Mr Lay's five. On the bonuses, Warwick converted 15 out of 33 (with four penalties), while Exeter managed 14 out of 25 (with two penalties), so it was a match won on the buzzer in more ways than one.
Next week's match: Emmanuel College Cambridge vs Glasgow
First up this series, we had Warwick University; confusingly based in Coventry rather than Warwick, it came into being in 1965, and among its former students are Frank Skinner, Ruth Jones, Stephen Merchant and David Davis MP, whose resignation last week was met with much disappointment in the Dead Ringers writing room! It has regularly sent teams to UC, winning in 2006-07, and unluckily losing to our old friends Ulster in the second round last series. This year's foursome were:
Emily Wolfenden, from Dereham in Norfolk, studying Maths
Jacopo Sartori, from Italy, studying Maths
Captain: Ben Beardsley, from Settle in North Yorkshire, studying Maths
Robert Gowers, from Market Harborough, studying Neuroscience
Playing them were Exeter University, which came into being in 1955 with the merging of three existing institutions in the vicinity of the city; its alumni include wildlife expert Steve Backshall, musicians Will Young and Tom Yorke and the writer JK Rowling. It too has been a regular sender of teams to the UC studios, with varying degrees of success; its last foray came back in 2014-15, when they lost their first match and were ultra incredibly unfortunate to miss out on the play-offs. This year's quartet were:
Simon Waitland, from Hitchin in Hertfordshire, studying Natural Sciences
Will Klintworth, from Woking, studying Politics and International Relations
Captain: Danny Lay, from Oxford, studying Physics
Jessica Brown, from Chichester, studying Acoustic Metamaterials
Off we set again then, and the new series kicked off with... a pedantic 'interruption'. Terrific(!) Exeter took the correct points, and began the series with two bonuses on words whose etymologies are unknown, with the third unluckily missed. A second starter in a row went Exeter's way, and they stamped their authority on the game with the first full house of the series. Another penalty didn't help Warwick's cause, but Miss Wolfenden opened their account by identifying MB as the only consonants in the words described; two bonuses moved them back into positive figures. The first picture round of the series, on that old quiz staple the periodic table, requiring missing elements to be identified, went to Exeter; two correct answers gave them an early lead of 65-10.
Mr Beardsley now opened his scoring account, and doubled his side's score, but they couldn't add to the score with any bonuses. Mr Klintworth added to Exeter's score with 'Gore Vidal', and his side took a second full house of the night. Still plenty of time for Warwick to catch up, and Mr Beardsley added to their cause with 'Angels in America'; one bonus on the work of Bob Dylan followed. A second starter in a row went the Warwick captain's way, and life sciences proved more fruitful to his side, two correct there.
The first music round of the series, on classical pieces named after cities, went to Exeter, who collected two bonuses to increase their lead to 105-55. (I was listening to Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition last week, but didn't get to the end; if I had, I'd have got that first bonus!) Mr Gowers pulled another back for Warwick, and his side took two bonuses, pulling them back within sight. But Mr Lay very quickly identified the video game company 'Valve', increasing their lead; highlight of the night were the bonuses, where Exeter confused Sir Ian McKellen with Matt LeBlanc and Dame Vera Lynn with Sir Mick Jagger! ("He'll be mortified!" quoth Paxo!) Mr Beardsley fought back for Warwick, and one bonus went with it. Warwick then slipped up again, but Exeter couldn't pick up; vice versa, and this time Warwick did pick up, and one bonus was enough to put them within ten points.
What looked like an educated guess gave Warwick the second picture round, on apocalyptic paintings; just one bonus followed again, but they now had the lead, 115-110. And it increased when Miss Wolfenden came up with 'Romeo and Juliet'; bonuses on 'princes of Wales' who never became King, gave them two correct answers and some room to breath. But back came Exeter, with Mr Waitland identifying 'Oyster Catcher', and bonuses on the work of composer Wendy Carlos gave them a full set, and pulled them level again, setting up a sprint finish.
A penalty for Warwick handed Exeter the upper hand, and they took it and the lead; nothing came from the bonuses though. The next starter went missed by both sides, Miss Wolfenden then pulled Warwick back within five with 'Richmond', and the side didn't wait for Paxo to finish the two bonuses they took to give them the lead back. And when Mr Klintworth then zigged with 'Euclid' and dropped five, and Mr Gowers zagged with 'Peano', that was likely game, set and match. Exeter did take the final starter, but were gonged out before they could answer the first bonus. Warwick won 165-150.
An excellent close start to the series, two very good well matched teams, bravo to them for clapping each other at the end. Unlucky Exeter, but a very good account nonetheless, and you definitely deserve a play-off place, which 150 should be enough to get. Well done Warwick though, a fine recovery after a rather iffy start, and good luck in the next round!
The stats: Mr Beardsley was, just, the best buzzer of the night, with six starters to Mr Lay's five. On the bonuses, Warwick converted 15 out of 33 (with four penalties), while Exeter managed 14 out of 25 (with two penalties), so it was a match won on the buzzer in more ways than one.
Next week's match: Emmanuel College Cambridge vs Glasgow
Friday, 13 July 2018
University Challenge returns on Monday!
Alright all? Hope everyone's had a good break from quizzing. I certainly have, plus I've had the World Cup to get me through it.
Anyway, in case you are unaware, University Challenge returns for its new series this coming Monday (16th) at 8:30. First fixture of the series is Warwick vs Exeter, while Emmanuel College Cambridge plays Glasgow the week after.
As far as my coverage is concerned, I will be carrying on with my usual Monday night write-up, complete with all the stock phrases I have fallen into the habit of using over the past few years. And when OC returns later in the year, I will be carrying on with that the same too.
So, see you on Monday evening, I guess.
Anyway, in case you are unaware, University Challenge returns for its new series this coming Monday (16th) at 8:30. First fixture of the series is Warwick vs Exeter, while Emmanuel College Cambridge plays Glasgow the week after.
As far as my coverage is concerned, I will be carrying on with my usual Monday night write-up, complete with all the stock phrases I have fallen into the habit of using over the past few years. And when OC returns later in the year, I will be carrying on with that the same too.
So, see you on Monday evening, I guess.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)