ROLLER DERBY GIRLS GET BACK TO BASHING
by JENNIFER PHILION (aka: LADY SHATTERLY)
This is how they roll: with a bash and a crash and a sneak through the pack to score. Yes, it's roller derby season again.
The Bomber Babes, 2007 Salt City Derby Girls champions, clearly intend to defend their title.
In the opening game of SCDG’s 2008 season, the Bombers soundly defeated the Leave It to Cleavers 144-89 on April 19 at the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns. Last year’s league-leading scorer, NOS, was virtually unstoppable, putting up 81 points for the Bombers. Team captain Honey Delunatic chipped in with 35 points.
“I’m glad that we were able to come out and make a powerful statement to start the season,” said Honey Delunatic. “Our blocking and team play were very strong.”
Roller Derby is played in a series of "jams," which are like heats that last about two minutes. The only ones who score are the "jammers;" one skater from each team who waits until the pack has skated 20 feet away. Then the jammers start. Their job: to work their way through the pack and come out in front. The pack's job: to stop them.
The Bombers took control of the opening home game early, holding the Cleavers scoreless for four consecutive jams in the first half to extend their lead from 21-11 to 51-11 in a matter of minutes. They held that 40-point lead at halftime (79-39) and cruised to victory.
Pivots Red Suzy and Phatal Pheremone did an excellent job at the front of the pack for the Bombers, controlling the pack speed and not allowing the Cleavers to carry out their strategies. “They just didn’t allow us to get comfortable,” said Cleavers rookie blocker Axta Grind.
One reason the game is gaining such an enormous number of fans is the personalities and names of the skaters. Fans come to support their favorite skater, bringing signs and wearing costumes. The fans themselves are part of the atmosphere that makes a Derby "bout," or game, such exciting fun. There's been so much growth that tickets for a Salt City Derby Girls bout can now be purchased at SmithTix.
For the Cleavers, veteran jammer Dirty Pirate Hooker led the team with 44 points, and rookie England’s Glory followed with 19.
Cleavers captain Miss Disco Bliss, whose team has brought in many new players this past offseason, was optimistic following the loss. “This was a really good learning experience, because we have nine new girls this season,” she said. “Everyone played their hearts out. We have a lot of raw talent on this team -- we just need to polish it.”
Meanwhile, the first outta town bout took place in Boise, Idaho.
On April 9, the Salt City Shakers, SCDG’s all-star travel team, opened their season against the Treasure Valley Roller Girls of Boise, Idaho. The Shakers lost, 108-89.
“It was a good first game against a good team,” said SCDG coach El Brujo. “Treasure Valley played well as a team, and with our season just beginning, we don’t have that team chemistry together yet. Now we have some good ideas about what we need to focus on.”
Shakers Captain Lady Shatterly lead the team with 41 points, followed by NOS with 34 points. TVRG spread the scoring around, with six jammers scoring in double digits. Boise’s leading scorer The Last Jammurai, with 34 points.
SCDG’s 2008 season continues on May 24, when the Death Dealers face off against the Sisters of No Mercy. The Shakers will open their home season on June 7 in what promises to be a tough matchup against the Angel City Derby Girls of Los Angeles.
Tickets are available at local Smith’s Tix outlets and online at SmithsTIX.com or through slcderby.com.