THEY may not have magical powers but the UK’s national quidditch team showed heart yesterday.

Oxford's Cuttleslowe Park played host to an international tournament of the broomsticks-and-balls game which is played by flying wizards in the Harry Potter books.

The UK team lost each of its four games before the US team were crowned champions after beating France. About 100 players from five teams were watched by more than 100 spectators in the event which was part of the Olympic Torch celebrations.

Angus Barry, 18, a member of the Oxford quidditch team, was picked to play for the UK team.

He said: ”There were quite a few spectators. People seemed to like it. A few people got pretty into it and there was cheering and shouting.”

Picture: OX53007 Antony Moore