Historic national title for Perse quiz team

Perse quizzers have won the Intermediate Schools’ Challenge title for the first time with a sensational show of general knowledge at the national finals.

Aimed at Year 9 and 10 pupils, the competition is new to the quizzing calendar, with the inaugural edition having been held last year.

The team, captained by Benjamin (Year 9) and featuring Lynden (Year 10), Alexander and William (both Year 9), plus substitute Yajur (Year 10), ensured The Perse’s name was on the honours board with an excellent performance at Hampton School.

They beat the hosts’ B team 740-370 in the quarter-finals and confidently defeated Westminster School 720-250 in the semi-finals before claiming the crown with a 660-730 victory over Hampton’s A team in the final.

Perse general knowledge co-ordinator Fred Jayatilaka said: “The team were brilliant. Benjamin did a great job of captaining, keeping calm under pressure, William and Lynden took care of their briefs on politics and sports respectively, while Alexander has become incredibly quick on the buzzer. Yajur was good enough to come along and was helpful and supportive throughout the day.”

The Perse team captained by Jacqueline (Year 7) and including Elliot, Harry (both Year 8) and Buddhan (Year 7) will aim at follow in their footsteps when they compete in the Junior Schools’ Challenge national finals at The Hall School on Saturday.