By William Darlow, 2025 Dawborn Chair
For many, the highlight of the calendar year, Dawborn, returned in Semester 2, 2025, for another year of the highly-anticipated competition. The Common Room saw bleachers brought in create an arena-style spectator zone, as Burgies dressed up to the theme 'Business Up Top, Party Down Below'.
Expectation was high as the prior rounds of games saw a high level of talent go head to head. Hearts were broken and dreams crushed but ultimately our grand finalists appeared.
The first fixture was mixed doubles table tennis, which saw a friendly start to the competition as patrons warmed into the event. Ultimately, Oscar Kanaley and Ashlyn Radford resisted a comeback which saw them as the night's first champions.
Following this, the most pertinent match of the evening commenced: pool. Elliot Wilson and Louis Bartlett made the long walk through the crowd to the table. A powerful Bartlett break saw the game start in hot fashion, as balls were being potted from all angles.
Louis Bartlett breaks to start the pool game
Eventually, the class of Elliot Wilson saw him triumph over a despondent but gracious Bartlett. I have been assured by Elliot that writing his name on the Dawborn door is perhaps the peak of his Burgmann career.
Elliot Wilson pots the black ball to secure his place in Burgmann history
After a halftime performance and drinks break, everyone returned to their seats for the final match of the evening, singles table tennis. Will McClintock proved to all that he is a class above the rest, putting up a dominant performance which saw him crowned in quick time. The College then ventured towards key sponsor, The Hellenic Club, for celebrations afterwards.
Ultimately, the night was a great success, and a terrific opportunity for current Burgies to connect with a long-standing tradition. It is exciting to see the event remains steadfast after over 40 years of its existence, and the overruling sentiment at the College is that it is sure to last for 40 more.
