It was not a contest for weak nerves. St. Augustine’s College, former champions and 2024 finalists, were dragged through a five-round thriller by St. John’s Grammar and Kumasi Academy, in a clash that saw the lead change hands three different times.

St. Augustine’s College opened strong in Round One, but the script quickly flipped.

By Rounds Two and Three, St. John’s Grammar had seized control and looked poised to pull off an upset.

Then came Round Four, Augusco struck back, reclaiming the advantage, only for St. John’s to edge ahead once more by a single point after the riddles were announced.

And then came the final riddle. Augusco cracked it and cracked the contest.

With one clutch answer, St. Augustine’s College sealed victory with 54 points, booking their place in the quarter-final stage, while St. John’s Grammar and Kumasi Academy bowed out after a valiant fight.

After five rounds of competition, St. Augustine’s College scored 25, 28, 38, 48, and 54 points across the rounds; St. John’s Grammar recorded 19, 29, 36, 49, and 49 points; while Kumasi Academy obtained 18, 20, 30, 43, and 46 points, respectively.

Augusco survives another day and their quest for a return to the finals remains alive.