The Northern Squirrel Cup is a meeting of all of the Quidditch teams residing in the north who then battle it out, broom to broom, to be crowned Kings and Queens of the North. This year was the first of its kind and was hosted by Keele, who bested Bangor in the British Quidditch cup.
So Bangor were going in with something to prove. Bangor had a magnificent start, beating their opponents York 280 – 0, with first year Jay Holmes proving himself by catching the Snitch for Bangor, ending the game and earning Bangor thirty points.
However the rest of the day did not go as brilliantly as Bangor had hoped. Their second game against Loughborough, a University known for its athletic prowess, was a tough one and Bangor were narrowly beaten. This then led into the game against Keele, a game that gathered crowds due to the hype surrounding it and the friendly rivalry that Bangor and Keele share.
It wasn’t going to be an easy game. Bangor got off to a flying start and showed a strong offensive line which Keele countered with their trademark defensive tactics. The game was a hard one with strong tackles and missed goals, you could tell both teams really wanted this win. Then, when it seemed as if Bangor had the lead, Keele caught the snitch. The result of the first day of the Squirrel Cup was not what Bangor would have wanted, they went home worn down and tired but still with fight within them.
However, something changed in the second day and Bangor dug in and rallied their hopes and brought that something extra to each game. First game was against Bangor’s protégés Chester, in a light hearted game but one that proved tough none the less. A disallowed Snitch catch for Bangor added extra tension to the game and even though Chester eventually caught the Snitch, Bangor were through on points. One down, two to go. The second game against Keele was one that was packed with even more tension than the first day with both teams digging in deep and fighting hard for the place in the final.
Intense chasing and beating from both teams meant that it wasn’t going to be a high scoring game. Yet Bangor found that something extra and managed to plough through on points and then catch the Snitch. A feat that any team should be proud of when playing against Keele. Bangor were in the final. The final had the atmosphere of any major sporting event and it was Bangor VS Nottingham, the crowd were screaming, both teams were ready.
The fight for the Northern Squirrel Cup was on. Bangor came out fighting scoring hoop after hoop and controlling the game from the start, Bangor were in control and Nottingham could sense it. Nottingham managed to wrangle the Snitch eventually but it was too late and Bangor were already ahead on points. Bangor had won.
After the ceremony Bangor received their medals, their cup and a small stuffed squirrel named Quirrel. Bangor have come home Champions of the North.
Quaffling to the Top! Eight Players Chosen for Team UK
Andrew Hull
This mountain of a man is not only a brick wall on the defense but is a near unstoppable force when on a counter attack breaking down the pitch.
Sam Davies
One of the biggest names in the Bangor Broken Broomsticks, which is a statement of its own. Other beaters fight over playing alongside him. With a bludger in his hand this beater makes any opposition his puppet.
Lee Marsh
As Bangor captain Lee really knows how to control a pitch. His team say it all in his photo, they have such confidence in his capabilities that they are more than happy to leave him as the sole defensive component of their play at times.
Sally Rachael Higginson
One of few female keepers in the UK. Her height is of massive help in this instance, and her speed and endurance help a hell of alot too. Sally has excellent judgement on whether to go on the brake or slow it down and keep possession after re-obtaining the quaffle, demonstrating excellent on pitch leadership skills. She also doubles as an equally incredible chaser, committed and fearless in the face of any opposition.
Anna Barton
Bangor player Anna was brought up to ‘play rough or go home’. Although she is not always the most attacking of chasers, she provide a key aspect in the transition from defense to attack which quite often leads to her team having a good shot on goal.
Emily Oughtibridge
There really is only one Yorkshire Dragon. Some say that Emily forged the pure physicality that we today know as the ‘broken broomsticks’. She is fearless on and off pitch, and how shown massive potential in coaching so will be an asset to getting team UK to work as one.
Tom Heynes
One of the most athletically fit players in the UK right now. This man is so dedicated to his objectives -whether chasing or seeking- that he just rolls will all the punches and carries on regardless on his personal health. With his combination speed and both physical and mental strength Heynes can rarely go wrong on pitch.
William Johson
A ukulele playing Bangorite, a towering inferno of a man. His long reach and natural physicality makes him an unprepared snitch’s worst nightmare. Along with his seeking capabilities, you also don’t want to run into him as an opposing chaser and his songs will always keep team morale on a high.