For this match we saw the Norfolk Nargles completely smashed by Essex – quite literally.  Two reserve beaters were put into play for this match as original beaters Rick Stevens and Jimmy Taylor are currently in Muggle custody for shoplifting. However, instead of the reserves being a disappointment, Casey and Kelly Matthews were absolutely brilliant, actually putting Norfolk Chaser Brian Williams out of the game after his arm was hit by a bludger cleverly directed by Casey just before his attempt to score a goal.  Casey also protected Essex seeker Peter Gallagher at the crucial moment as she dived for the snitch. 

Gallagher was on top form today also, not in the least distracted as Norfolk Seeker Dougal Swire followed him around the pitch continuously throughout to try and put him off. However, with bludgers flying everywhere as he chased the snitch, he admitted he was shaken by the near collision.

Yes, the Norfolk Beaters Shane Mills and Joe Oakes were hammering it too, and although only hitting one Essex chaser (Dan Murray), Murray, after a quick healing spell from a mediwizard, returned to play on the pitch.  The chasers for Essex this time round were incredibly fast and it was not a surprise that the talented beaters for Norfolk didn’t manage to hit any more of them. In all the three chasers for Essex (Dan Murray, Tyler Smyth and Max Madden) scored a total of 150 points, low on account of a superb reserve keeper on the Norfolk side, Liam Hayes. Hayes was later offered a position as reserve keeper for Essex but turned it down in loyalty to his own team.

Norfolk Chasers Viola May, Dickon Isle and Colin Digs were moderate in goal scoring but also faced a good keeper on their opposing team, Ivy Meran, who halted many of their attempted scores with quick reflexes and clean methods.  In all the Norfolk team scored a total of 170 points, but retrieval of the snitch by the Essex seeker gave a harsh end score of 170-300.

And whilst Norfolk said sad goodbyes to their fans, Essex celebrated with cheers, smiles, and surprisingly – fireworks! Chaser and Captain for Essex Max Madden smuggled them on after going off pitch at the end of the game to ‘grab a drink of water’, and though against the rules, the team were not punished as the celebration called for and the display most certainly impressive!  Referee Harold Linton was laughing as he told us:

Indeed, the firework finale was splendid, the last one to be let off producing five sparkling trails and then explosions; one orange, one silver, one white, one blue and one brown in the colours of the five elements. Even Norfolk had to cheer as these flashed across the dark sky and rained glitter down upon the fans and players below.

And so, with that joyful ending, us reporters will end out piece there.  Next issue the match is sure to be exciting as another two teams fight to stay in the league; Gwynedd vs. Kent!

-Lilia Le Fay

*The County of Norfolk is located in the northern half of East Anglia, the part of Britain that sticks out over Kent and faces the Netherlands.