Kenmare Come Back Swinging
Tutshill Decimate Falmouth
Violence Erupts in Portree
Welcome to another week of Quaffles & Bludgers here at the Daily Prophet! We’re excited to bring you another round of exciting news in the professional quidditch world as we fast approach the end of what is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling seasons the British and Irish League has seen in years!
Matchweek 26 started out in Kenmare where hopes were high for the Wimborne Wasps and less so for the Kestrels. After their previous match saw them decimated by the Falmouth Falcons when Chaser Colin McClarkin suffered a broken collarbone early on, the Irish team seemed determined to come back swinging and looked ready to impress now that McClarkin was back on his broom. As soon as the quaffle was released into the air, Kenmare’s chasers were on top of it, with the Griffin Duo putting on a fantastic showing that left Wasp keeper Goodwin Malloye struggling to keep up. That’s not to say the Wasps weren’t fighting just as hard for their own redemption, however. It was a tight scoreline of 480 to 420 that saw the Kestrels capture the snitch and claim victory, ending an exciting back and forth match in their favour! Kenmare 630 – 420 Wimborne
Our next match took us to Tutshill to watch what was expected to be an exciting match after the performance both teams put on previously. Despite the Falcons’ place on the boards, Tornadoes fans were confident in their own team’s ability to hold their own and they were not disappointed. Perhaps they watched the performance put on, but Tutshill’s chasers were not taking chances when it came to the beating skills of Daly and Baxter, managing to avoid the worst of the blows to come their way. On the contrary, it was Kip Heath and Annie Downer that stole the show, with the pair taking more than their fair share of shots at Paddon, Halloran, and Georgeson. Tensions ran high with the Falmouth trio only managing to score a single goal, leaving both their manager, Barry Fletcher and Captain/Keeper, Mack Clifford screaming on the sidelines. Tempers didn’t improve even as Falcons seeker Dot Townsend captured the snitch, ending the match and softening the blow of their loss by 150 points. Tutshill 230 – 160 Falmouth
The final match of week 26 took us to see the top two go head to head in their second match in a row. Fans will recall that Portree took the previous match which left Harpies fans heated as they waited in the stands for the Quaffle to be released. This could be considered foreshadowing for the hostilities to come for which your reporter was not prepared. From the moment the Quaffle was released, it was clear that both teams were out for blood this week. Harpies beaters Tempest Kendrick and Wednesday Crowley took no hostages as they managed to secure not one but two bludgers and set them both on Portree chaser Valentine Weekes’ tail. Lindiwe Ungaro made an effort to bat them away but ultimately failed to save the Portree captain from being bludgeoned by both and spiraling towards the earth. From there, the Portree side were enraged, with Ungaro taking riskier shots at the Harpies’ trio of chasers and when even a broken arm didn’t stop Jolene Parris from passing the quaffle to Silver Wolf Vitrac who subsequently scored easily to the sound of howls and cheers, she turned her attention to Seeker Kelsey “Kelpie” Galloway in an illegal shot before the snitch had been spotted. This shot knocked Kelpie unconscious and took her out of the match, allowing Portree to secure the snitch but not the victory. Holyhead 360 – 210 Portree
That’s not where the excitement ended however folks. Those who lingered in the stands got a show of a different kind as they watched Harpy rookie Persephone Vitrac march out to confront Portree Beater Lindiwe Ungaro. Those familiar with the Portree Beater know that she is known for her dominant and in-your-face personality and onlookers could only guess where this was going. I was unable to hear what was being said from my place in the stands but there was no mistaking it when the young Harpy lunged forward, grabbing Ungaro by her jersey to get into her face. Matters only escalated as the beater responded with shoving. This back and forth continued until Vitrac reared back and slugged Ungaro, sending her sprawling to the ground. This is the behaviour we’ve come to expect from Harpies and Pride players but we’ve yet to see it from the fan favourite rookie. Cries for security and threats of legal action could be heard even from where I sat though when security came, Vitrac appeared content to take her leave, offering no further attacks on Ungaro, asides from an attempt to help her up which was met with a fierce shove. As security escorted Vitrac away, that was when things truly got interesting however. It was when Vitrac’s back was turned, that Ungaro wound up and tossed her bat at the Silver Wolf. I would remind readers that Beaters’ Bats are magically reinforced to survive hitting lead balls flying at high speeds and it is highly likely that Vitrac required medical attention after the bat made contact with the back of her head. Unfortunately, Vitrac’s temper seemed to overcome this need and the Chaser was quick to grab for the Portree Beater, tackling her to the ground and the punches began to roll. At that point security separated the women and escorted them both off the pitch, so unfortunately, that’s all the coverage we can offer here at the Daily Prophet.
As I said, readers, another exciting week of Quidditch news! As only two weeks remain in the season, we can only expect more exhilaration as the Season comes to conclusion! Be sure to check out next week’s edition, ta ra!