Confident Catapults outsmart Pride

Caerphilly Catapults - 510* vs Pride Of Portree - 240

	Prides	Catapults
Keeper	McCormack	Carrington
Chasers	McNewton	Gwenhwyfar
	Claverdon	Lympsham
	Pilliwickle	Lafarge
Beaters	Van Hoorn	Lofthouse (C)
	Stroulger (C)	Aderonis
Seeker	McBride	Bryson

The Pride Of Portree and Caerphilly Catapults were expected to perform similarly, (that is to say, unspectacularly) at the beginning of the season. The two young teams have both shown glimpses of a similar peak, but the sustained unity of the Catapult cause has served them well.

With a win here to spur them towards a late surge, Portree could still entertain thoughts of making the Top Eight (quite possibly at Caerphilly’s expense), but final results can be deceptive. The Prides have shown nothing discernibly extraordinary, while the Catapults have in fact been notably impressive in their efforts and growth.

The gap between the two teams only appears to be growing based on last week’s efforts. The record books will show a pair of losses, but the circumstances and efforts were certainly most different. Caerphilly pushed the top line Falmouth Falcons extremely close, while the Prides folded and were overwhelmingly thumped by the decidedly mid-range Kenmare Kestrels.

That loss had the side-effect of removing Hazel MacPunnet from the side, in favour of Leona Claverdon.

Looking at the line-ups, it was clearly going to come down to the four big and dominating Beaters. Terrence Stroulger in particularly put in an immense effort, but he and Mordred Van Hoorn lack the wiles of Asgeir Lofthouse. The difference he created was small but vital.

Neither team’s Chaser line-up screams spectacular goal-scoring, and the two new girls on each side struggled in particular (Claverdon and Gwylfai Gwenhwyfar). But on paper, the experienced Scottish international Belarius McNewton and the exciting Stephanie Pilliwickle should have given the Prides an edge.

McNewton and Pilliwickle were improved on recent performances, each scoring some lovely goals, but Lofthouse and Addfywnn Aderonis were a tough proposition to get past. Catapult Chasers Antigone Lympsham and Cristian Lafarge may be more subtle and underrated in their talents, but backed by their Beaters, their tight-knit combinations were all that was needed for Caerphilly to pull clear as the match went on.

After three hours, with the Catapults leading fairly solidly but not yet snitch clear, Musidora McBride showed her eye’s inexperience once again, failing to spot the snitch when it was close by. Brynmor Bryson made no such mistake and pounced towards his prey.

The finish was a thrill as McBride made clear strides, gaining on Bryson at a rapid rate. But her brilliant speed will only afford McBride the kind of star career she is capable of if the eye is more on the ball. The error was costly. Bryson’s early advantage was too great to close down and so he caught the snitch to seal victory and take his team back above Puddlemere into the Top Eight.

Caerphilly Catapults - 510: Lafarge 16, Lympsham 14, Gwenhwyfar 6, Bryson Capture

Pride Of Portre - 240: McNewton 12, Pilliwickle 9, Claverdon 3

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: ASGEIR LOFTHOUSE (CATAPULTS)