University Challenge - Quarter Final

University Challenge - Quarter Final 

Clare Cambridge vs Pembroke Cambridge

Clare, Cambridge

Chris Cao

Daniel Janes

Jonathan Burley

Jonathan Foxwell

Pembroke, Cambridge

Edward Bankes
Ben Pugh
Bibeck Mukherjee
Imogen Gold


Both these teams had previously been victorious in a their first Quarter Final match of University Challenge and thus the winner here would progress to the semi final's. Both teams had shown to be very strong in previous contests so this was likely to be close.

But as with last week it seemed to be going into a one way stroll as Pembroke opened a lead of 145 points before Clare had scored. Again, another Quarter final in which goods team work was winning through and it was not simply a case of relying on one player who is superb on the buzzer. The whole Pembroke team was chipping in with answers with Ben Pugh again showing outstanding form and Mukherjee leading with example. It looked oh so comfortable.

Clare were not finished though and began to get their act together. Although no where near as prolific as in previous rounds Daniel Janes seemed to wake up and brought his team a good haul of points which kicked Cao and Foxwell into action. They brought the score back to 200-85 with 5 minutes to go before a wave of buzzing had set up a frantic finish and before long 210-180. Cao buzzed but failed in the answer and when Pembroke took the next 15 points it was all over. 250-175 it finished and a hard fought battle towards the end. Truly a match of two halves but I full expect to see both of these sides in the Semi Finals!