Premature snitch catch sinks Catapults short.

Falmouth Falcons - 600 vs Caerphilly Catapults - 580*

	Catapults	Falcons
Keeper	Carrington	Frobisher
Chasers	Gwenhwyfar	Grinderford (C)
	Lympsham	Meadows
	Lafarge	Goodfellow
Beaters	Lofthouse (C)	Bundy
	Aderonis	Wagtail
Seeker	Bryson	Boyle

The young Caerphilly Catapults have impressed in portions early in the season, but after eight rounds found themselves with just a pair of wins and outside the Top 8. The Falcons presented an interesting challenge, for although they are a top four team, their game is primitive enough to be penetrable.

In a controversial move, Mungo Poyntz decided to remove Oakden Mostafa from his Seeking duties, instead installing the unproven Zinnia Boyle.

But Alwyn Arianrhod’s primary change to the Catapults line-up was hardly a surprise. Caerphilly are the only team in the league with three Keepers on their roster, but it still doesn’t seem to be enough. After a single failed outing for Nigel Quigg, it was back to the future, with young Caddock Carrington returning for his first start since Round 4. It was a first start full stop however for Gwylfai Gwenhwyfar who relieved Ralph Denison, adding to the modern trend of all-girl Chaser trios.

The demand for physically powerful female Chasers no doubt owes no small part to the efforts of Marina Grinderford. Ironically, since starring for England a few weeks back, Grinderford had been below her best for the Falcons. But her game was back in all its destructive glory this week.

With Fairfax Meadows and Caliban Goodfellow providing supporting thuggery, Grinderford took complete control of the match from the outset. The Catapults’ Chasers were helpless. Gwenhwyfar was lethargic and the diminutive Lafarge was utterly outmuscled. Instead it was the usually workmanlike Antigone Lympsham who rose to a rare lead role, providing the bulk of her team’s scant scoring. But this match was under the thumb of Grinderford.

But then every Falmouth fan’s worst fear was realised.

Caerphilly captain Asgeir Lofthouse pounced, twisting a bludger in the kind of astonishing banana arc only he can manage. The bludger struck Grinderford in the back of the head as she attacked again, inducing an audible gasp and lurching forward. By the time her limp body had slid sideways off the broom, two streaks of blood could be seen streaking down the Falcon Captain’s neck.

Gnarly though it may have been, it was a strike that was neither illegal nor overtly unusual for the menacing Lofthouse. But the Falcons could not stomach the horror of such ill befalling their captain. The only facet of Falmouth’s fame which collapsed worse than their basic skills was their discipline. The combination was deadly, first gifting possession then free penalty territory to the galvanised Catapults.

Once again Lympsham led the way as Caerphilly skipped dramatically back into the match. Within half an hour the Falcons lead had halved, from 360 to 180. It seems only right that the snitch would choose this time to show itself. Obviously noting his team’s momentum, Brynmor Bryson took on a defensive role, attempting to shepherd Boyle away from the snitch.

Thanks in no small part to Boyle’s inexperience and match-rustiness, Bryson looked to be well on track in his quest. But Meadows and Goodfellow dug in, fighting to preserve the Falcons lead. Their gallantry refocused Boyle, who grew calmer with every passing minute then, from nowhere, swooped brilliantly, switching back over Bryson’s shoulder.

Boyle had won and reached to grab the snitch, leaving him not even the room for thought. To see their opposing number lunging decisively at a snitch triggers a reaction deep within Seekers we mere mortals can barely comprehend. Bryson counter-intuitively, but in fairness without any other option, reached and snapped the snitch. The fact that the Catapults still lost was a bitter pill to swallow for a man who had performed so brilliantly, particularly after a slow first half of the season.

The Falcons were able to hold their advantage long enough and escape with a fortunate 20 point win.

Falmouth Falcons - 600: Grinderford 41, Meadows 12, Goodfellow 7

Caerphilly Catapults - 580: Lympsham 20, Lafarge 15, Gwenhwyfar 8, Bryson Capture

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: MARINA GRINDERFORD (FALCONS)