Welcome back to Quaffles & Bludgers! After weeks of watching these teams go head to head across the continent, we’ve finally reached the knockout stage! From here on out, all matches are do or die, life or death situations and those who lose will be sent home packing while those who win continue on for their chance to win the European Cup! Today, we bring to you a summary of the Quarter Finals!
Once again, we at the Daily Prophet would like to remind readers that the European Cup Final will be held in Doda Pilii, Romania. Tent rentals went on sale yesterday, August 14th, as well as portkey arrival appointments being offered in Diagon Alley. The Final is being held on the 21st and tickets will be offered at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class prices with seating available for each tier and they will also be going on sale today at the Doda Pilii campsite.
Side A
San Pietro Lupi [Italy] 600 – 220 Karasjok Kites [Norway]
It is a rainy day in Norway that started the match week off, a fact that didn’t bode well for either team given the limited visibility. San Pietro Lupi started off strong with team captain Dalida Leccese declaring that this was the day the Kites would be sent home. As the match went on, it became clear that it was no exaggeration as the Karasjok Kites were clearly outmatched. Fortunato, Aloisi, and Bagnoli moved like a well oiled machine, the quaffle passing between the three chasers as though they were all one consciousness, sinking goal after goal and leaving the Kites in the dust. Karasjok Seeker, Agathe Van did her best, capturing the snitch, but the disparity between teams was too great for one lone Seeker to bridge herself. In the end, the Karasjok Kites were sent home, drenched and heartbroken.
Appleby Arrows [British & Irish] 370 – 40 Schengen Kropemann [Luxembourg]
More wet weather awaited in Luxembourg as a storm raged across the pitch, the severe wind force making it clear that both teams would be having a time once they made it off the ground. And a time they had. Players were blown by 57 kph winds, at times unable to move forward against the force with smaller players slamming into the pitch walls. Lightning flickered, striking the pitch twice over the course of the match, temporarily blinding players and setting hair to stand on end. Despite the conditions, the Arrows were determined to take the match and out the gate it became clear they were giving their all. After two hours of slow but dramatic play, fans saw the Schengen Kropemann defeated 370 to 40 and the Appleby Arrows moving on to the semi finals.
Side B
Ostrava Otesáneks [Czech Republic] 160 – 580 Holyhead Harpies [British & Irish]
Dark horses Ostrava came up against Holyhead in this round, and if you weren’t just a touch worried for the Czech side, then you were probably playing for Holyhead. Ostrava put in great effort, but Holyhead’s chasers were far too strong. Vitrac, Withka and Parris all gave us performances we’ve come to expect from them, and after drawing a phenomenal lead, seemed to slow down to save Ostrava’s face a little. In a small show of mercy, Galloway took the snitch for Holyhead before the scoreline became embarrassing. With Holyhead’s progression secured, they, like us, looked forward to the final match of this round.
Varna Lamia [Bulgaria] 560 – 120 Naantali Nakki [Finland]
A perfectly clear day in Finland awaited fans of the Naantali Nakki and the Varna Lamia. This match was rather unexpected in it’s intensity with a number of players coming out injured, most notably, the Bulgarian seeker, Davidu Borisov, suffered a laceration to the shoulder when Naantali Nakki seeker, Ubba Ulricsson drew out his wand and uttered an unheard curse, earning him a redspark. Without their seeker, Naantali had no hope of ending the match and Varna Lamia racked up goals while awaiting Borisov’s return to the pitch. After being seen by onsite healers, a bandaged Borisov was able to return to the match, capturing the snitch and securing victory thus seeing the Varna Lamia proceed to the Semi Finals.
That finishes up the quarter finals, reducing numbers from eight to four! Next, we’ll move into the semi finals where matches look to be quite exciting and numbers will dwindle even further, providing us with the names of the two final teams.
Upcoming Schedule:
| 18/08/28 17:00 – San Pietro Lupi v Appleby Arrows | 18/08/28 20:00 – Holyhead Harpies v Varna Lamia |
