The Leeds University Challenge Team 2002 - By Steve Kidd

7: Semi Final Final v Cranfield. 13th October 2002

I can not remember a time when I have felt so frustrated and - depressed. You can gather we lost! This tract is an edited version of my immediate thoughts on arriving home, and I must admit, this rainy Monday morning, looking over it has for the first time bought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. Amused because of the stuff I am deleting, and a tear because some of it is true, but life goes on. I can tell you it has been a harrowing 24 hours.

We started reasonably, but were thwarted. Twice a team member buzzed with the wrong answer when another team member had the right one. Under pressure easy answers didn't seem to come (What are the chances of not throwing a double with two dice? What is the procress called by which a bone is pinned and stretched by a pulley? How many beats to the bar in Strauss's Blue Danube Waltz?)

Cranfield were brilliant. When I'm sure eight people were going to say 'Japan' they hit first. Equally frustrating was their 'Fingerprints'. They also got some extrodinarily difficult starters. The score was about 200 -100ish but don't quote me on it. Well done!

As representatives of the Student's Union, and as a team I think we probably did not deserve a final place. Maybe our team preparation was just enough to deserve our position. Which should lead me to the positives:

James, Jenny, Adam and Gareth. You all know your contributions, Humour, Hospitality, Sacrifice, Dedication, Success, Availability and Reliability have all been aspects of your conduct. You could be great , you know, it's all here in your head.

The staff at Granada. The kindness and encouragement you gave was just lovely. It is work to you but you still seem to enrich the most important of our days. Crikey I don't know all your names, but Marina, Irene, Heidi, Nathan, Roger and Jeremey, I love you all. Thank you for the time of my life.

The Chancellors office, esp. Catherine Cho for the £100 and the attention

Steve Pearson, Sean Blanchflower

Family and Friends: It was just a pleasure to meet those of you I did, and your support was invaluable. I am sorry I couldn't do more for you. The Parents, Cath, Emma, Jen's bosom buddy, Wanda, Dave, Robert, Lee. Thanks for coming.

Everybody in the pubs who have helped train me up over the last few months. You have been very patient, John, Rolf, Daz, Andy Carl, Leah, RUSSELL, Colin, Don, Helen, Lee (again), Chris, John, Julia, Phil, Ang. (sorry to those I've missed out but you are in good company, i.e with God).

Angela my ex wife for the best advice during times of stress (F*** 'em) and of course,.

My kids. Jake, Julia, Ella and Graham are everything and I am so proud of you. We could not reasonably be expected to have done any more than what we've done. Thank you for your tolerance, patience, Simpsons, trivial pursuit, wishes and constatant endevour on my behalf. I will try to make the world a better place for you and all things.

James: - I love ya

THE END