Just one point separated Malmö and Nottingham in last weekend’s international roller derby showdown. Nottingham Roller Derby team the Hellfire Harlots played their first international game on Saturday 21 April, taking on the mighty Crime City Rollers of Malmö, Sweden.

photo copyright Guy Berresford

As the only Nottingham-based sports team to be playing internationally at the moment, this bout promised to be the most thrilling sports event of the month, and it did not disappoint. The bout was held at the Clifton Campus at Nottingham Trent University.

Crime City seized the lead early on in the first half but the Hellfire Harlots fought hard and recouped valuable points to make the half time score 92 – 92. In the second half, the Hellfire Harlots surged ahead thanks to hard won power jams by Terroryaki Smak and Bunnie Suicide of the Hellfire Harlots, but Crime City were determined to close the points gap and with less than three minutes to go before the final whistle, the game could have gone either way.

photo copyright Guy Berresford

Unfortunately, it wasn’t going to be a rerun of the 1979 Nottingham Forest victory against Malmö FF in the European Cup Final and eventually Crime City Rollers stole the day with only a one point differential – final score 162-161. Hellfire Harlot team captain el Visious commented, “This was an incredibly close game and both teams fought so hard. The final five minutes of the game were so tense and the audience were clearly on the edge of their seats. I’m so proud of my team. We can’t wait to go to Sweden for the rematch!”

About the Hellfire Harlots
The Hellfire Harlots were established in May 2010 and the team is entirely run by the skaters, for the skaters. In recent months, the Nottingham-based roller derby team has achieved a lot due to the team’s hard work and dedication, including:

• winning Broxtowe Borough’s Sports Club of the Year award (2011)
• team captain El Visious representing England in the first ever Roller Derby World cup in Toronto
• becoming a member of the UK Roller Derby Association (UKRDA)
• gaining sponsorship from Sailor Jerry
• playing their first international bout in April 2012

With over 40 paid members and several casual skaters attending training sessions up to four times every week, the Hellfire Harlots are a growing team who have lots of games scheduled for 2012, the next is an away game in Leeds on 5 May 2012. The next home bout to be held in Nottingham will be on 2 June 2012 against the Bristol Harbour Harlots!

photo copyright Guy Berresford

For more information,
w: www.hellfire-harlots.co.uk
f: www.facebook.com/nottingham.hellfire.harlots

After the first initial skate and finding myself strangely comfortable on a set of quad skates, I was straight home reading the rules, watching anything roller derby related I could find. It was the typical headstrong newbie idea that I will be a skater in a matter of no time. Everything will fall into place – I will be going around the track snaking my way through the pack, making those hip checks with the sharpness and grace of what I envision a cobra would. That was the start of derby life for me, now 2 years ago in March.

From that point in time to where I sit now things have not fallen into place as that headstrong newbie had envisioned. However that has not left me frustrated or upset with where I am now in my derby life. It has actually allowed me to become a better skater where I can feel the fluid transition of my skills progressing all the time, in all the small achievements I make.

I had been off skates until November last year due to starting a family with a little mini-me. When I made the choice to come back to skating I joined a newly formed league. It wasn’t a hard choice to skate again – Roller Derby was in my blood now. I was itching to get back on my skates and made the decision to become a Lothian Derby Doll.

Image Courtesy of Joan Byrce

I know any derby girl who is unable to skate for any length of time is always desperate to get back on eight wheels again. Everything feels so different this time around after strapping on my skates after over a years break. But that is the beauty. Changes are always happening in derby. The people, the teams, the places and the rules to some degree. I am happy to say my derby life involves training every week and having a derby wife who skates with me. Also getting involved with helping the league in anyway from baking for fundraisers, recruiting skaters, being a website handler and many other things that go into being a part of a team.

Catching a bout is a real joy too.

Bout Report. Bout 1 Season 1. April 7^th, 2012

Headline Bout: Middlesbrough Milk Rollers(MMR) vs. Imposter Roller Girls(IRG).

Warm up mixed bout: Harshmallows(HM) V Smackjacks(SJ)

Hosted by MMR, at Peterlee Leisure Centre cherry poppers from leagues around the country faced off in a warm up bout on 07/04/12. The sweet-themed teams included players from Middlesbrough, Sheffield, Newcastle, Milton Keynes and Wakefield.

Both teams seemed evenly matched as the score read 11 to 7 for the Harshmallow’s going into jam 5. However, the Smackjack’s jammer was sent to the bin mid play handing skater number 14 a 20 point powerjam and giving HM’s a comfortable lead. This was short lived as Kim Cognito (26) was sent to the box for a track cut major in the next jam allowing Smackjack’s to even up the score HM 35 to SJ 33.

The lead continued to shift several times and the game provided drama and action as MMR player Ru Bella (27) was expelled after racking up 4 majors in the short bout and Esther La Vista (14) from Dolly Rockit Rollers skated a whole lap backwards whilst jamming. At half time the score stood at SJ’s 51 and 48 for HM’s. In the second half the teams both battled hard, but another powerjam for SJ’s sealed the fate of HM’s and the final score came out as HM’s 82 – SJ’s 102. A brilliant display put on by all cherry poppers.

photo courtesy of MMR

Awards:

Harshmallows:
MVP- Kim Cognito
Best Jammer- Esther La Vista
Penalty Queen- Ru Bella
Blocker- Major Micky Taker

Smackjacks:
MVP-Magic Beanz
Best Jammer- Harry Sonic Jr
Penalty Queen- NC Hammer
Blocker- Mad Splatter

Season 1, Bout 1 Middlesbrough Milk Rollers(MMR) vs. Imposter Roller Girls(IRG)

In their first open bout of the season, Middlesbrough Milk Rollers faced off against Imposter Roller Girls at Peterlee Leisure Centre. Having spent a year behind closed doors, how would the North-East’s first roller derby team fare against Lincolnshire’s finest?

Period One
MMR blocker Little Grr-Maid(1UP) raced onto the track stretching out across the lanes to secure a jammer line start and back wall for her team mates. Pivot Moose (55) called for the girls to take a knee, and with the Imposters lined up directly in front, the whistle was blown signaling a scrum start.

photo courtesy of MMR

MMR Jammer, Rocky Ell Boa(7) fought through some big hits from IRG’s Puke Frywalker (26) and Pocket Rocket (86) securing lead jammer status, whilst her team mates held off Invincibeel (B33L) long enough for the first 4 points to be put on the board. MMR continued their hit it and quit it streak going into jam 9 with 50 points and IRG still yet to score.

Part way through the jam Rocky Ell Boa was sent to the sin bin giving a powerjam to Bex Rated (81). IRG blockers stepped up their offence, getting their first points on the score board. Quick recycling and pack reversing action from pivot Terri Sudron(86) ensured damage limitation, with the jam ending with 5 points scored for IRG.

IRG then used their power jam start in jam 10 to secure lead, and call it scoring another 4 points. With their momentum gaining IRG pulled the jam starts up to the pivot line and gained lead jammer once again. In jam 13 IRG jammer YasMING the Merciless(16) raced out of the pack becoming lead jammer, but was forced to call it as Dynamite Stix(69) caught up and delivered some jammer on jammer action.

By jam 19 the score stood at 91 to 35 with IRG’s Pixie Trailblazer(46) sat in the sin bin. Jam 20 brought a powerjam for MMR’s Lolly Go-Spritely(87) who pushed IRG’s strong defensive wall out of play, racking up 29 points and sending the Milk Rollers into half time with a firm lead.

Period 2 Score MMR 130 IRG 35
As period 2 started MMR, led by captain and pivot Gunpowder Dot (1605) once again took a knee and held YasMING behind their back wall whilst Rocky completed 2 scoring passes. As the jams continued both sides see penalties increase and field a number of micro packs.

photo courtesy of MMR

Jam 10 starts with the pack advantage to IRG but MMR, stall off the line giving chance for the Little Grr-Maid to rejoin the pack. The blockers work hard to hold onto Pixie Trailblazer, who
narrowly misses a track cut by doing the splits! At the front of the pack IRG’s blockers chase MMR jammer Frodo Bashins (0) out of play, but to no avail as Invincebeel and Bex Rated end up in the sin bin. With 2 IRG blockers left on track MMR controlled both pack speed and the jammer, allowing Frodo to score 14 points.

As the period clock started to run down MMR called a time out to ensure one last jam. A full 4 on 4 pack is fielded, and both jammers agreed to go for the full 2 minutes and show the crowd some action. Rocky and Invincibeel jostled each other off the line and once again we were treated to a jammer versus jammer display. Rocky broke through the pack and got lead, followed closely by Beel. As Beel went through on her first scoring pass she received a cut track major and was sent to the box. Rocky then called the jam off and the game was over. MMR won 249 to 70.

Awards:

MMR:
MVP- Terri Sudron
Best Jammer- Rocky Ella Boa
Best Blocker- Little Grr-Maid
Penalty Queen- Dynamite Stix

IRG:
MVP- Pocket Rocket
Best Jammer- Pixie Trailblazer
Best Blocker- Puke Frywalker
Penalty Queen- Invincibeel

photo courtesy of MMR

This time last year Atoms were something to do with science and panties were something I wore under my jeans. Then I was introduced to roller derby and everything changed.

I started my derby journey when I signed my waiver form outside a sports hall in Newcastle in August 2011. I threw myself into learning knee falls, pushing myself to do twenty five laps in five minutes, I learned the rules and, three months after I started, I passed my minimum skills test. One month later I was part of an intraleague team opening for the Newcastle Roller Girls Canny Belters and everything I’d learned went out the window.

Being out on the track for the first time in front of the crowd was amazing but it reinforced the fact that passing my minimum skills was just the beginning. There’s so much more to learn once you have the basics down and I don’t think there’s really a point at which you’ve learned everything. I thought I knew my derby self pretty well until a couple of weeks ago when I was part of the of Harshmallows, facing off against the Smackjacks as part of the Middlesbrough Milk Rollers cherry popper opening bout.

I wasn’t fielded as jammer until our lineup manager looked from girl to girl and a team mate piped up saying, “Rainbow Frite is a great jammer!” I stared at her incredulously as I pulled on the jammer panty, confused and feeling like I was probably going to be sick in my mouth. Turns out – I’m not as bad a jammer as I thought and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would (and I wasn’t sick, either!)

photo by D.Crompton

One thing I’ll say to any newbs who are just starting out or who have just passed their minimum skills and are now playing with the big girls – don’t back down. You are as good as you think you are when you close your eyes and picture yourself breaking through the pack and leading your team to victory. When I first started training alongside the A team I could have made a list as long as my arm of things I’d rather do than go back to training the next week but I did it and so will you. You’ll go back every week until you stop looking at other people and start concentrating on yourself. I know my strengths but, more importantly, my weaknesses and what I need to work on to become a better roller girl.

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls… Dyin’ time’s here…”

The Rainy City Roller Girls intraleague teams will face off against each other in a Roller Derby Extravaganza at the Thunderdome, Oldham. At this event you will see some of our newest Roller Girls making their derby debut! Come and cheer them on!!

Roller Derby is one of the fastest growing and most exciting all girl contact sports in the UK. Its fierce, feisty, fast paced and fun! The Rainy City Roller Girls are an established all-female full contact roller derby league. We’ve been based in Greater Manchester since 2008.

For a snapshot of the Rainy City Roller Girls in action check out this video.

When: May 26th, 5pm-8pm

Where: The Thunderdome, First Floor, 1 King Street, Oldham, OL8 1EU

Price: Tickets are just £3, available in advance from www.rcrg.co.uk or £5 on the door. Under 14s get in free when accompanied by an adult.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you need any further information!

note from the Editor – if you’re wondering what the Thunderdome is then hold tight for Issue 4 of the magazine!

The first opportunity I saw was the London Rollergirls Recreational League, they had try-outs coming up for newbies but unfortunately the day was already occupied with an exam for university – one of the downfalls of being a student. In the end, I never regretted missing those try outs because my eyes fell upon a local team – Croydon Roller Derby. I hadn’t heard about the team before, I never knew they even existed and yet they were so close! To make things better, they had a recruitment day set up. Ace.

photo courtesy of Louise Collins

I attended, trying to look ‘cool’ I baked some cupcakes and took them along, also hoping they would sway them to take me on. On second thoughts, it may have been a bit desperate but they went down well! It was a short session – we tested our endurance and balance on the skates. Luckily, I’d already bought some cheapish equipment. It went really well, despite being quite ill during the day, I had managed to pull it outta the bag. I had survived the nerves, the anxieties, the excitement and come out the other end. I can still remember what it was like to be in those try-outs; I met some wonderful girls, the hilarious Rolling Thunder (our trainer) and came out thinking that roller derby was all I wanted to do.

photo courtesy of Louise Collins

We had a chat after the skating and were filled in on the team and where they were – an expanding force with the capability to go far. Sitting at the table, listening to President Garfield (Team Captain) speak, it was like a light had gone on and I had found a place where I felt at home. Being a social outsider, this was big for me. The training schedule hadn’t put me off, the dedication and frustration aspect hadn’t deterred me. I wanted in – right then, right there.

I’ve been with Croydon Roller Derby for about 4 months now with the Fresh Meat guys and gals – my new family. I’m just about to test for my basic skills and have enjoyed every single session, there are no regrets.

Saturday evening saw Oldham’s own Rainy City Roller Girls take on Birmingham Blitz Dames at home, The Thunderdome on King Street, Oldham. The heat was on, as the last time these two teams were in the same venue was back in 2009 at the Roll Britannia European Championships, which saw them placed  10th and 3rd respectively, but the teams never actually met during this competition.

photo by Ara McBay

A crowd of approximately 250 made the atmosphere in the Thunderdome electric as Birmingham fans cheerfully attempted to out sing the Rainy fans, despite being outnumbered. Adding to the anticipation of this bout was the presence of 3 team England players, Missy Rascal and Dee-Mise from Rainy City and Violet Attack from Blitz Dames. How would the international team mates fair when placed on opposite teams?

As the match got under way strong pack play from Rainy City made life miserable for the Blitz Dames jammers, giving the Oldham team a strong early lead. Blitz Dames continued to struggle to put points on the board meaning Rainy City’s strong lead soon become a significant point gap. As the first half came to a close, Rainy City led by 103 to 13 for Birmingham.

Birmingham rallied during half-time and came out swinging, after all in Roller Derby a 90 point gap does not necessarily mean defeat. Only the strongest team spirit would remain undaunted and it seemed Blitz Dames had spirit in spades.

The second half was very different in character from the first, as Rainy City’s pack play came under an aggressive counter attack from Blitz Dames. The penalty boxes quickly filled with as the teams battled for control of the track. Pure determination for Blitz Dames in the face of very unfavourable odds won them several power jams and their points crept up. But in the end, it wasn’t enough for the away team and Rainy City continued to dominate.

The final score stood at Rainy City 216-51 Blitz Dames.

A great display of Blitz spirit from the Dames but the Rainy City Roller Girls triumphed, to the sound of their Oldham fan base happily cheering away.

photo by Ara McBay

For more information check out www.rcrg.co.uk

Next Bout: Rainy City Roller Girls Intraleague Bout – May 26th, 5pm

“Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls… Dyin’ time’s here…”

The Rainy City Roller Girls intra-league teams will face off against each other in a Roller Derby Extravaganza at the Thunderdome, Oldham. At this event you will see some of our new faces making their derby debut! Come and cheer them on!!

Doors open 5pm, first whistle blows at 6pm.

Tickets are just £3 (plus booking fee) in advance, or £5 on the door. Under 14s get in free when accompanied by an adult. Advance tickets are available from www.rcrg.co.uk.

Mel Langton aka Total Melfunction from the Lincolnshire Bombers is having her first solo show opening on April 23rd, check it out!

Mel Langton's first solo show!

Earls Court Exhibition centre; the vast arena paying homage to roller derby of the fastest and most furious of persuasions, an LRG double header. The vast space besieged by the vibrancy and the sheer colour that roller derby brings. The track lying at its centre, the Brawlers’ fiery orange and black uniforms contrasting with the Femme’s blinding white; the lime green trim only serving to add to the mirage of derby-awesomeness before us. The excitement was steadily building towards a crescendo, the procession of the introductions passed in a seeming blur, it became harder and harder to tell whether that steady beat we could hear; so rapid, so loud, was the music (From derby draped speakers) or simply concrete evidence of our anticipation. We were at the heart of the occasion. Time was ticking. The first bout began.

Ultraviolet Femmes vs. Tiger Bay Brawlers (146-105).

photo copyright Adam Chard, 2012

The early stages were dominated by the Brawlers, and the reason was obvious for all to see; their exceptional use of the ‘Philly wall’ tactic. With their blockers solely focused on stopping the Femmes’ jammers from making any ground and with the lack of pack movement continually forcing a ‘no-pack’ situation, their own jammers, notably Billie Pistol and Boba Fettish were let loose on a separated track and took swift advantage, hauling the Brawlers into a 17-0 lead. If this tactic took the Femmes by surprise, their reaction was ultimately superb and they soon began to claw their way back into the bout. The atmosphere was feverish, bubbling. By adapting to the ever-present Brawlers wall, markedly putting weight on one end, the Femmes began to slip their jammers through the tiny gaps they created. This enabled the talented and highly elusive Kamikaze Kitten to weave and battle her way to points, and with the consistently efficient jamming of LEGO-Beast also contributing points to the Femmes total, the bout lapsed into a perfect first period ebb and flow. With mixed successes both physically and tactically and the slightest mistake punished, this was derby of the highest standard.

The war was fierce, feisty and full of determination. The second period was just as gripping, slightly scrappy at times but still revering to the highest derby quality. Kamikaze kitten made use of the Brawler’s penalty problems to continuously add to her team’s score. At times, sheer speed was the only pack-breaking weapon she needed, at others, balance; skating on one leg to stay unbelievably in bounds and secure a grand-slam. Aided by C-bomb, who was excellent throughout, the Femmes began to pull away from the Brawlers and despite a brief Brawlers comeback courtesy of Hella Reeskii’s play and the exemplary jamming of Boba Fettish, and despite the fierce hitting contest that erupted in the pack towards the close, the Femmes just edged it to the very last jam. They took the bout 146-105.

photo copyright Adam Chard, 2012.

Although there had to be a victor in this fierce contest, the victory itself is not what will be remembered by those who witnessed this marvellous clash, most will simply know that they were privileged; for they were here to see roller derby as it should be played.

Our roller derby appetites had been wetted further by the opening bout and as snow began to fall picturesque outside the arena, inside; the thrill of the atmosphere and the preoccupation of raging derby action was keeping us heartily warm. Time seemed to fly, drinks appearing in hands, derby merchandise and t-shirts beginning to abound. As the precocious activity reached a climax, the second bout began. Focus. Attention.

Harbour Grudges vs. Suffra Jets.  (154-88).

photo copyright Steve Newton, 2012.

Just as in the first bout, the early stages were dominated by one of the sides; the Harbour Grudges, so fast out of the blocks, delivering perfectly timed hits and using structured blocking formations to deny the Jet’s jammers over and over again. Despite the Suffra Jets’ constant battling, it seemed that within the blink of an eye, with their enduring pack and the spontaneously talented jamming of Stephanie Mainey as a constant threat, the Grudges soon led 52-0. We were enthralled. Shaolynn Scarlett with some clever tactics, assisted by the sheer determination of Flamin’ Aggro sought to disrupt the ominous pattern that had developed and allow the Jets a firm foothold in the bout. The response from the Grudges was devastating. Lola Vulkano, courtesy of superb track positioning from Grrim Rita, capitalised on power jam situations to extend their lead, and with the continuous jamming of the brilliant Stephanie Mainey and the seemingly unstoppable Metallikat, the Grudges soon broke the 100-point mark. As the end of the first period loomed, the Jets, with an irresistible spirit and persistence posted their first point. The Dalai Harmer was able to weave her way subtly through the pack courtesy of Shaolynn Scarlett’s blocking; the move was greeted with tumultuous noise, the loudest of the bout and rightly so.

photo copyright Steve Newton, 2012.

As the first period closed, the prospect of the second instalment was still electric, for even with the Grudges’ huge lead; there had perhaps been a change in momentum. The clash of blue uniforms before us mirroring the nature of the bout; the dark, boisterous navy of the Grudges clashing against the calmer, efficient royal-blue Jets. The second period was a far more even affair, the Jets building off their successes towards the end of the first, seemed reinvigorated. Grievous Bodily Charm beginning to breach the Grudges pack defence regularly, posting up points to bolster their appearance on the scoreboard, and only the remarkable derby intelligence of Stephanie Mainey prevented The Dalai Harmer totalling huge numbers on a penalty beleaguered-pack. The crowd fuelled by a love of the underdog; an effervescent atmosphere. Despite Lola Vulkano and Metallikat still managing points-scoring jams, they were becoming more sporadic, having to beat a ferocious and supremely determined Jets pack each time. At the close, both teams deserved the praise and applause heaped upon them, the Jets, for an amazing come-back and ‘never say die’ attitude, the Grudges; for a 154-88 victory powered by their show of derby talent.

Though the Suffra Jets just left themselves too much to do in terms of the scoreboard, they, with the Tiger Bay Brawlers, the Ultraviolet Femmes and the Harbour Grudges thoroughly contributed to an LRG double-header rich in all those things that make roller derby, simply wonderful.

~ words by Kerry Willecome

photo by Peter Williams / WWF-UK

The tough players of of the Cardiff Roller Collective have revealed their softer side for Valentines’ day, in a stunning new viral video to promote next month’s WWF’s Earth Hour.

The young women – known for their no-nonsense image in the rough sport of roller derby –donned head torches to skate in the darkness in a heart formation. It’s in aid of a new online video to promote WWF’s Earth Hour and encourage Welsh sign-ups online ahead of the global event next month.

They were also joined by the leading environmental charity’s iconic (and cuddly) panda mascot.

Kerry Willecome from the Cardiff Roller Collective said:

“When it comes to sport, we’re as hard as they come – but we’ve all got a soft spot for our brilliant planet. I’m a big supporter of WWF so I want people in Wales to get their skates on and sign up for next month’s Earth Hour on line. Making the video was loads of fun and we’re really pleased with it. So if you’re not out on a hot date tonight then snuggle up with our short film and show the world some love!”

Head of WWF Cymru, Anne Meike, added:

“This video is fantastic and I hope it gets people thinking creatively about what they can do in the dark to mark Earth Hour next month! But we also want to see how much people in Wales care about the environment, so if you like the film, please sign up for WWF’s Earth Hour on our website and then turn out your lights for Earth Hour at 8:30PM on 31 March.”

You can watch the video and sign up for WWF’s Earth Hour 2012 on WWF Cymru’s website: wwf.org.uk/wales or view it here.

On the site you can also also show your support and check out how your area is marking Earth Hour on an interactive map.

You can also follow WWF’s Earth Hour in Wales via WWF Cymru’s Facebook page. On Twitter, follow @wwfcymru and tweet your support using the hashtag #lightsoutwales

For photos or further information, please contact:

Richard Nosworthy, tel: 02920 454972, email: rnosworthy@wwf.org.uk