Nail-biting conclusion to University Challenge

(Spoiler alert: this article reveals the result of Episode 18 of University Challenge 2021)

The St Catharine’s team has promised to continue quizzing together after bowing out of this year’s University Challenge series. In the second-round match broadcast last night on BBC Two, St Catharine’s lost by a very narrow margin to Emmanuel College, Cambridge. The team finished with 120 points to Emmanuel’s 125.

Professor Sir Mark Welland, Master of St Catharine’s, commented, “Thank you to Emma Dinnage, Jenny Hay, Lydia Michaelides, Nick Scott and Kit Treadwell for so enthusiastically representing the College. After so many years of not qualifying for any televised rounds of University Challenge, it was impressive that they managed to win their first round match – one of only two Cambridge teams to do so this year. They kept us on the edge of our seats until the final moments of yesterday’s match and their College pride was clear for all to see.”

On behalf of the team, captain Nick Scott said, “Congratulations to our opponents from Emmanuel College who valiantly maintained their lead, despite our best attempts to catch up. It has been a pleasure to get to know competitors from other Cambridge Colleges during the informal practice sessions that we organised before filming began. We’ll be rooting for Emmanuel and St John's who have already qualified for the next stages of the competition (the quarter finals).

“I was proud that the Catz team gelled so quickly and had fun throughout the process of preparing to compete and during filming. After coming to terms with our result, we found consolation in team trips to Shepreth Wildlife Park and punting on the Cam. We look forward to continuing to quiz together, but without the added pressure of cameras scrutinising our every move!”

As traditional dictates, the outgoing captain has already overseen the selection of the St Catharine's team for the 2022 series, although all the 2021 competitors have kindly offered to pass on advice and lend their support.