Euros Update
A quick update on Nottingham Debate’s Union’s successes in the European Championships, which were held in Galway (Ireland) this summer.
Having arrived early on Sunday in Galway, and having been treated to three types of potato for dinner, all three Nottingham teams were fired up and ready on Monday morning for the first day of debating. Overall, the first day was positive: Nottingham A had a particularly promising start, winning two of their three debates on the first day, and by the close of day all three teams had at least one win under their belt ((Nottingham B’s victory in Rounds 2 and 3 seemed particularly impressive given that Suresh believed that he was fighting off malaria. It turned out to be a common cold). After another potato-dominated dinner, the teams felt ready both for the second day of debating, and, more imminently, the evening’s social. The social ensured important scores were settled, most significantly Alex (representing Nottingham B) beating Nathan (representing Nottingham C, who had already beaten a big Irish man costing him two buttons and a ripped pair of jeans…) in the Gladiator ring. It was also the scene of one of Suresh’s proudest moments when he set the tournament record for the Bucking Bronco – he literally would not shut up about it. To many, the debating almost seemed irrelevant in contrast to this life-changing occasion, and certainly, Alex’s delirium was shown when he lost at Laser Quest as a result of rolling around on the floor and pretending to be a ninja.
Having licked the wounds of defeat in the Gladiator ring, Nottingham C had an impressive second day, holding firm by coming second (a few times rather unluckily) in every round, putting them onto a score of -2, and a strong position going into the final day. Day two was more of a mixed bag for Nottingham B, taking only 4 points, but they joined Nottingham C on -2 as well. Unfortunately, it was a difficult day for Tom and Yina of Nottingham A, who were the victim of a couple of questionable judging decisions (with Doug Cochran being rolled by his panel), ended the day on an undeserved -4.
The final day of in-rounds featured some fantastic displays by all three teams. Buoyed by a win, and a particularly impressive display in Round 7, Nottingham A finished the tournament on -4. Gaining victory in Round 8, Suresh and Alex of Nottingham B became the only team to win a round on all three days, and as a result finished the tournament on -4. Although Nathan and Jennie of Nottingham C had a disappointing final two rounds, resulting in finishing the tournament on -6, they were still strongest going into round 8, but came unstuck when propping a complex International Relations motion against a room of very experienced debaters.
Given that this competition was the first international tournament for 4 out of the 6 squad members, the squad was left excited looking forward to another year of debating, blissfully full of potatoes, and relieved not to be fighting off any life-threatening conditions.
From Left: Nathan, Alex, Suresh, Yina and Jennie
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