Prang fluke causes sensation as Chudley shock Holyhead

Chudley Cannons - 190* vs Holyhead Harpies - 170

	Harpies	Cannons
Keeper	Weatherwax	Trimble (C)
Chasers	Glossop (C)	Munch
	Gladstone	Oglethorpe
	Birchgrove	Rumstich
Beaters	Tolipan	Redfern
	Samuels	Buttermere
Seeker	Bloch	Prang

Quidditch is a funny old game. In no other sport are there such an extreme set of variables and unknowns. And right when you feel comfortable, as if in a rhythm, with no expectation of drama, the most dramatic possible eventualities happen.

For the Holyhead Harpies, the timing of such drama was most cruel. After such a horror 2011, early signs were that 2012 could be headed down the same steep path. But the girls have worked hard to restore their fans’ faith and finally, oh so recently, seemed just about back on track.

The Cannons presented a perfect opportunity for the Harpies to consolidate with a dominating and efficient performance. The lack of starting changes drove home the fact that Holyhead were not taking this contest lightly and looking to rest their stars.

But something was still slightly amiss in their approach. Rather than representing serious respect for their opponents, the continued presence of the newly found best combinations seemed more about consolidation and momentum, about using training to build hours together.

The Harpies’ Chaser attack was consequently supreme, striking with maximum speed and efficiency. But the Cannons were able to counter-attack and plot the odd goal. Four goals in half an hour may not seem like much, especially compared to seventeen at the other end, but it was a better haul than Chudley usually manage against quality opposition.

It proved to be the difference.

Cannons Seeker Percy Prang was pursuing his customary game plan of circling the pitch seemingly at random, at a complete loss as to what to do.

Meanwhile Zelda Bloch was inquisitively skirting the sidelines for any trace of the snitch. But straight out of the Roderick Plumpton coaching manual, it was Prang who made the catch, more than a little fortuitously.

The snitch flew by Prang, inevitably unsighted, right as a rather unnecessary Bludger from Talulah Tolipan crossed his path. As he dodged, the ungainly Prang raised his arms and clenched his fists in automated reaction, to shield himself from a potential impact. Lo and behold, within his knuckles lay the captive snitch!

A Chudley Cannons win is always a sight to behold. For the fans of the victim, and a few angry purists who for some reason whinge about the state of the game, it is a day of mourning. For the rest of the Quidditch watching public, it is a day of rejoicing. 

Chudley Cannons - 190: Munch 2, Oglethorpe 1, Rumstich 1, Prang Capture

Holyhead Harpies - 170: Birchgrove 11, Gladstone 5, Glossop 1

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: GWENETH BIRCHGROVE (HARPIES)