-British League Quidditch Match – Pembrokeshire Pythons vs Glasgow Ghouls-

Today's game shocked fans of the British Quidditch League as Pembrokeshire absolutely smashed Glasgow (end result: 480-150 to Pembrokeshire), despite having half of their overall score going into today's match. This win was essential for Pembrokeshire, as they have been hovering around the bottom of the table for the whole of the season, dipping in and out of possible relegation. However, this win managed to pull them up a spot in the table, meaning that they are now in seventh and two points clear of Essex Elements below them. The difference might not seem like much, but this season has been incredibly close regarding scores.

The first obvious difference for this game was Pembrokeshire's change in Keeper. Their first Keeper Cameron Erstan has been off form for nearly the whole season and has continually disappointed both his teammates and fans with his sloppy play and fumbling of the ball. Therefore Pembrokeshire Captain Liam Davies decided to bring on their reserve Keeper for this match; Agatha Dranson, a recent graduate from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry who played Keeper for the Ravenclaw house team for five years and captained the side for her last two years.

Boy, was the change noticeable! Dranson was energetic and enthusiastic, her excitement almost tangible as she swerved back and forth between the hoops, executing some superb saves and making the crowd go wild. Speaking to us after the game, she said,

"That was incredible. Absolutely incredible. The adrenaline rushing through me was like nothing I've experienced before, and I was buzzing the entire time. Wow. I don't really know what to say beyond 'wow'."

The rest of the Pembrokeshire side had really upped their play since their last game against the Cornwall Cobras, which they lost quite badly. Beater best mates Liam Davies and Adam Walsh played a cracking game, and the Chaser trio Olivia Morgan, Imogen Valentine and Alex Winston had obviously been practicing hard to improve their fluidity. Even Seeker Rae Aldridge had improved her slightly lacking catching skills, catching the Snitch in the 83rd minute after some very impressive dodging.

On the other hand, the Glasgow Ghouls seemed to have a bit of an off match. Considering they are in the top half of the League, they definitely didn't play as well as they could. Their Keeper Adrian Stewart was out of the team after suffering a bad Potions accident, and reserve Keeper Issie Robertson was extremely nervous and let lots of goals slip. Beaters Neil Gow and William Richardson were practically invisible the whole game - they didn't contribute much and they let a lot of bludgers fly loose. Seeker Karla Wade definitely tried hard, but was unable to convert her effort into success.

However, credit must go to the Glasgow Chasers - triplets Natalie, Amy and Caitlin Baird - who played a really good game, and managed to get 15 goals past Dranson. They had some excellent set plays and perfect teamwork, and they were all grinning at the end, despite their team's loss.

-Grace Waterson