The first semi-final of the CULS University Challenge 2021 took place on Monday, 22 March between a combined team of Caius, Girton and Fitzwilliam against the defending champions Fitzwilliam and Corpus Christi. The semi-final can only be described as being beset by a succession of gremlins, leading to a degree of pandemonium. The quizmaster had to contend with an understandable no-show from one competitor (Gordon Wood who had turned up as a spectator participated in his place), technical problems with contestants finding it very difficult to use their keyboard to buzz in on the starter for 10 questions, and the challenge finally been disturbed by the sound of heavy hoovering from the floor below. We got there despite all these interruptions and the evening was probably more enjoyable for the contestants and spectators as a result, although it wouldn’t have made for professional television viewing. The defending champions wrested back an early lead after 10 minutes from the Caius, Girton Fitz team to win after the full 30 minutes by a score of 195 points to 135. The second semi-final between Trinity and Murray Edwards takes place on Monday 12th of April at 6 PM and as always spectators are welcome, ahead of a keenly anticipated final on Monday 26th of April.
