Friday, February 20, 2009

England and New Zealand reach WSDC Grand Final, outcome reverses

Congratulations to Jack Gamble, Emily Pearce, Melanie Pope and Ben Woolgar, this year's England Schools Debating Team, who reached the Grand Final of the 21st World Schools Debating Championships and nearly defended their title. Instead it was last year's Runners-Up, New Zealand, who triumphed by a vote of 6-1 in an excellent debate.

Under retiring coach Debbie Newman the England Team has won 23 of its last 24 debates, and this year broke top of the team tab with 8 wins and 22 judges. Three of the team were ranked in the individual top 10, with Jack Gamble coming 6th.

A very British well done to them and also to New Zealand, who win the tournament for the first time since 1995 and the fourth time in total. England now join Scotland in having lost five Grand Finals (and won three each).

Labels: 2009, Athens, England, Greece, WSDC