University Challenge – Christmas 2012

The Universities of Newcastle and Loughborough do battle for a place in the semi-finals.

The team was captained by five times Paralympian Tanni-Grey Thompson who is a Politics and Social Administration graduate of the University. The other three members of the team were Human Biology graduate Peter Schofield- a flat water kayaker and bronze medallist at London 2012 Olympic Games, Lawrie Sanchez- football club manager, former football player and a Management Sciences graduate and finally Nigel Wood- a Professor of Literature at Loughborough since 2002.

A combination of non-Christmas and Christmas related questions were asked. The Christmas related rounds consisted of questions such as guess the singer of versions of Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer and recite the first line of the Christmas Song shown in the anagram. From the outset Loughborough flew ahead with a 55 point lead over the opposition, Newcastle University.

However, Newcastle began to slowly catch up and as the gong went it was 110 points apiece. A tie breaker question was presented and although Loughborough initially answered they were incorrect. Unfortunately  Newcastle were able to give the correct answer giving them 10 points to secure the win and therefore preventing the Loughborough team from going any further.