University Challenge 2023: Grand Final Preview

I warn you now, I don’t have much conclusive to say in this preview. But let’s look forward to this, the last University Challenge  Grand Final of the Jeremy Paxman era, an era which began more than a quarter of a century ago.

The great irony of this 2023 season is that the Gand Final is a replay of the very first match of the series. Yes, Durham and Bristol met in the first match of the first round. What a match it was too, with Durham winning 195-185. So, it’s Durham to win again, is it? Well, hang on.

The first match came down to just one starter questions, which might have fallen either way,

Bristol have won every match since and won each of them comfortably.

Both teams have played 6 matches. Bristol have an average score of 197 per match. Durham have an average score of 170. Bristol have conceded an average of 114 points per match, and Durham have conceded an average of 117 points per match.

There are two teams that both finalists have played during the series. Let’s look at the two teams’ comparative performances against them:-

Comparative performances

 v. Southampton

Durham      165 - 135

Bristol         200 – 70

v. UCL

Durham      160 - 145

Bristol         205 – 70

So it is certainly not a foregone conclusion that Durham will beat Bristol again. They clearly had an easier time than Durham against both of these teams.

So what about a prediction, Dave? Well, I think it’s going to be very competitive. Looking at the strengths of both teams – Durham have good buzzing throughout the team, especially in the shape of Harry Scully and skipper Alex Radcliffe, who are well supported by Chloe Margaux and Bea Bennett. There doesn’t seem to be many gaps in heir knowledge. However they can be rattled. We saw this when the penalties for early incorrect interruptions mounted up in their losing match against Royal Holloway in their second quarter final. As for Bristol, well they have possibly the finest buzzer in the whole series in the shape of Jacob McLaughlin. Looking back, the lowest number of starters he has accrued in a single match was the 4 he took in the first round against Durham. Does this mean Durham are better buzzers, or does it mean that he has become better, more assured and quicker on the buzzer since a nervy first match? Personally, I think it’s the latter. Captain Tess Richardson always weighs in with a few starters, and Sam Kehler and Alejandro Ortega have also provided valuable contributions. They will probably hate me for saying this, but I’m tipping Bristol and lumbering them with the curse of the Clark tip. The statistics, as well as my own gut feeling, give them a slight edge, but as I say, I am expecting a close match.