The Daily Prophet - Sports Section
Date: Thursday, 22 June, 2000
Time: Morning Edition
Characters Involved: The Daily Prophet
Rating: G
Brooms to Beat on the Professional Pitch
By “Pitch” Malbum
As play in the British and Irish League carried on this week, the contest between the three hottest brooms of the season, the Cleansweep 15, the Firebolt 2000 and the Nimbus 2012 continues. There seems to be no favorite amoung team members, or even amoung various team players who hold the same position on each team. In an effort to settle this matter for all of our readers, this reporter recently visited that Mecca of Quidditch, Quality Quidditch Supplies, conveniently located in Diagon Alley, and took a test run on all three brooms. While their recent sale gave all Quidditch lovers a chance to get an up close look at the new brooms, this reporter was delighted to be given a complete and thorough test drive for each one by Clive Smales, one of Quality Quidditch Supplies most knowledgable Sales Representatives.
It is with great pleasure that we at The Prophet make our findings known to all of our faithful readers, as we highlight the new features and performance for each of these new models. “Watch your landing with this baby,” Smales advised this reporter as I took flight on the Cleansweep 15. “The handling is so improved you’ll be able to avoid the Bludger with ease.” In test runs, it was clear that the Cleansweep Broom Company has indeed taken their legendary handling expertise to the next level.
The Nimbus 2012 was highly recommended by Smales. “You won’t be left behind with this ride, ‘Pitch’, no matter how many Chasers are after you.” He warned as I left the ground in a nearly vertical maneuver designed to test the broom’s time off the pitch. There is no doubt that the Nimbus 2012, a complete redesign by the Nimbus Racing Broom Company in an effort to capture the field, will satisfy the professional Quidditch player’s unquenchable thirst for speed. It starts out at fast and builds from there.
The Firebolt 2000, marks a new day for the Firebolt Broom Company. After dominating the Professional Pitches in the 90’s, this new broom does not disappoint. Top secret improvements to the cushioning charm make the rider more comfortable while pick up during acceleration has also been increased. The cushioning charm also allows the rider more “swivel in the seat” than previous models. “Watch your back there, ‘Pitch’,” Smales warned, “you’ll be turning so fast you’ll forget whether you’re coming or going.”
Clearly, the broom makers of the new century are determined to do their best to corner the Professional market with these new excellent performers. It’s plain to see that our professional players are trying out each of these fine brooms to see which suits their particular style of play or position. As for which broom this reporter prefers? As Smales says, “Can’t beat the Nimbus, ‘Pitch’, whether it’s for professional or home use, this new Nimbus 2012 has it all.”
From the pitch this week, the Holyhead Harpies achieved the only Clean Sweep of the week against the Falmouth Falcons. The team was said to be incensed by the continued suspension of their teammate who remains under investigation by the Quidditch authorities. While the Falmouth Falcon’s dismal performance kept the Cannons well out of last place, meaning there is much joy in Chudley.
Quidditch Standings
Teams
Points
Kenmare Kestrels
1340
Pride of Portree
1330
Tuthill Tornados
1310
Wimbourne Wasps
1290
Montrose Magpies
1280
Caerphilly Catapults
1060
Holyhead Harpies
1050
Ballycastle Bats
830
Wigtown Wanderers*
800
Puddlemere United*
780
Chudley Cannons
780
Appleby Arrows*
760
Falmouth Falcons
580
*Each week one team has a “by”. These teams have played one week less than the others.