Last night’s University Challenge was another Oxford versus Cambridge affair, this time with Christ Church College (O) going head-to-head with Homerton (C, pictured right). Paxman informed us that the institution from ‘the city of dreaming spires’ (as that is Oxford’s name according to those good folks at Wikipedia) has won the contest 13 times, whereas Cambridge have only earned the honour a paltry six times. Of course, when I say paltry I mean in comparison to Oxford, rather than us common folk like myself, who could never get within a stone’s throw of the contest and are thrilled to get the odd question right.

Paxman introduced the teams, and seemed to have a certain soft spot for the Oxford gang. A quick spot of online research revealed that he hadn’t previously studied at Christ Church (rather St Catharine’s College, Cambridge), as I had suspected from his noticeable bias. Maybe it was just the cut of their jib that he admired, regardless let’s introduce the teams.

Christ Church, Oxford
Bubb – studying English Literature. Maybe it was cold in the television studio on the day of filming, as Bubb wore a fur coat throughout. It might have been fake, but still it looked slightly incongruous on a male student.
Markland – studying Chemistry. A strong contestant with a good general knowledge.
Kaufman (captain) – studying Modern History. A brilliant contestant and strong leader (despite the paisley shirt.) Looked a little like a young Alan Cumming and got visibly annoyed with himself whenever he incorrectly answered, letting rip a cry of despair.
Darby – studying Classics. Looked visibly scared when introducing herself, though seemed thrilled when she correctly answered a starter for ten.

Homerton, Cambridge
Wilkinson – studying Social and Political Studies. As much as I am not here to pass judgement on the appearance of these incredibly bright young talents, failing to remark on the mass of red hair sported by Wilkinson would seem like a rude snub to what was a fantastic hairdo.
Blackburn – studying Anglo, Celtic and Norse Studies.
Mitchell (captain) – studying Oriental Studies. Probably the best in his group, though it would have been a close fight with Agyei-Owasu.
Agyei-Owasu – studying for a PhD in Chemistry. Was the most willing to offer an answer (even when he seemed unsure) just to keep his team’s spirit alive.

The first points went to Christ Church in what was a dream start for the Oxford side. They relished a round on physics, with Markland scoring well and continued their points haul on a successful picture round on European coins. After ten minutes, the points were seriously stacked in their favour at 90 to 15, and they continued to race ahead.

Mitchell scored a round on Greek philosophy for the Cambridge team, but they were up against some strong competition in the double act of Markland and Kaufman. Christ Church stumbled a bit on a music round, which Paxman almost derisively announced was on “recent pop music” but their lead was already impressive.

Paxman seemed very much in preference for the Oxford side, and chided Homerton with a lament of “oh dear” when they incorrectly answered. Darby was delighted to earn her side some points by correctly identifying Twelfth Night as the Shakespeare play, a moment which saw the well-spoken girl almost explode with pride.

A late-on gesture of support was thrown Homerton’s way when Paxman urged “there’s still plenty of time to come back”, but at almost 20 minutes in Christ Church were looking safe for the win. The host continued to rattle out the questions at break-neck speed but his sense of urgency seemed misplaced. With five remaining minutes, Christ Church had amassed 205 points compared to the 60 of Homerton. The competition had been all but over a mere handful of minutes into the round.

Paxman continued his pace “let’s crack on” he encouraged, but when the gong sounded it brought to an end a round lacking in any tension or drama. Christ Church, Oxford had convincingly won it from Homerton, Cambridge with 245 points to 65. The host applauded CC as “terrific”, which they undoubtedly were and definitely a team to watch as the series progresses.

Lastly, Paxman informed us that the next two weeks worth of UC will be dedicated to the four highest losers from the first round meeting in the play-offs. These will include Magdalen, Oxford, Birmingham, Lancaster and Liverpool. And then after these final places are settled, it’s on to the next round – yippee!

Week 13: St George’s, London lost to York
Week 12: Newcastle lost to Manchester
Week 11: Jesus, Cambridge lost to Exeter
Week 10: Durham lost to St Edmund Hall, Oxford
Week 9: Bangor lost to Edinburgh
Week 8: Pembroke, Cambridge lost to Worcester, Oxford
Week 7: Lucy Cavendish, Cambridge lost to Warwick
Week 6: Central Lancashire lost to Sheffield
Week 5: St Cross, Oxford lost to Trinity Hall, Cambridge
Week 4: Birmingham lost to St Andrews
Week 3: Liverpool lost to Leeds
Week 2: Magdalen lost to SOAS
Week 1: Lancaster lost to Nottingham