Bishop Herman College had its work cut out for them after being drawn against their allies Ola Girls SHS Adidome Senior High in the first stage of the NSMQ elimination rounds.

It was an all-Volta affair and being one of the best in the region and also a seeded school for the 2023 tournament, nothing but a masterclass was expected of the immediate past Regional Champions, BIHECO.

What transpired in the KUMAPLEY hall of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology was, however, far from inspiring. It was daunting, tense, and frankly, mortifying.

The old boys, supporters and sympathizers of Bishop Herman nearly ate dust for brunch.

The Kpando-based school began the defence of their seeded spot as if nothing was at stake, but a lot was—take it all or lose it all. A loss would have sent them struggling through regional qualifiers for a chance at next year’s Championship.

They struggled for dominance throughout the contest with their two challengers and were clearly cut to size.

KUMAPLEY

Problem of the Day:

Adidome SHS: 8/10
Bishop Herman College: 2/10
OLA SHS, Ho: 2/10 #NSMQ2023 #NSMQ30 #Primetime #NSMQOneEighth pic.twitter.com/78rJILods2

— National Science & Maths Quiz (@NSMQGhana) October 11, 2023

Ola Girls, based in the regional capital; Ho, looked like the threat, but after Round Three—the Problem of the Day, separated the herd from the pack, BIHECO was gasping just to survive as their Adidome-based foes pursued.

At the very end, ADISEC began their upset quest just 6 points late, BIHECO survived, but only just. They’re seeded but likely at sea.

As they breathe in relief, they also know it is the end, unless they find strength in the glories of decades past.

KUMAPLEY

End of Contest:

Bishop Herman College: 37pts
Adidome SHS: 31pts
OLA SHS, Ho: 24pts

Congratulations BIHECO! #NSMQ2023 #NSMQ30 #Primetime #NSMQOneEighth pic.twitter.com/cHHqHX2a7E

— National Science & Maths Quiz (@NSMQGhana) October 11, 2023

Watch the contest below:

The 2023 National Science and Maths Quiz is produced by Primetime Limited and sponsored by the Ghana Education Service in partnership with Goil PLC and supported by A.T, Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, and Pepsodent.
The broadcast of the National Science and Maths Quiz on JoyNews and Joy Prime is supported by Vitamilk, NASCO, German Ozone Medical Center, Royal Foam, Jamaa Soap, Heritage Christian College, Virtual Security Africa, Ace Medical Insurance, Chopbox Technologies, Sintex Tank, DBS, New Crystal Health Services, INVEST CORP, Built Financial Technologies, Beta Malt, Bright SHS Kukurantumi and Family Health University College.