The Rossland Trail Roller Girls came all the way back from an early 40+ point deficit to secure an exciting 204 - 167 win against the Dam City Rollers in eight-wheeled, West Kootenay Roller Derby madness at Selkirk College on Saturday, May 11.
There are a lot of fresh players on the RTRG team this season as they now make up a blend of the former former Gnarlie’s Angels and Bad News Betties teams, but they showed true grit and composure as they raised their level of intensity to catch the DCR squad late in the second half of the bouts and then pass them for the victory.
The Selkirk gymnasium is a fun place for spectators to take in the derby matches as the wood floor provides not just a slightly softer fall for the ladies but better grip for the wheels. This translates into much faster action than the concrete found at some other venues.
Because of the flooring, the skaters all need to wear special knee pads and non-marking stoppers on their skates, but it sure didn't slow them down.
A slightly reserved crowd at the start was fully into it as the last few laps played out.
Penalties were a key factor in the game, with the Dam City Rollers spending far too much time in the box late in the game.
The evening was a double-header with the Valley Vendettas from Slocan taking on Salmo's Babes of Brutality after the RTRG/DCR bouts. The Valley Vendettas took home their first ever win against the veteran Babes of Brutality team by a final score of 181 - 154.
During half-time, the WKRD presented the Nelson and District Women's Centre with a cheque for $200, the first of what they hope will be monthly donations to various organizations.
The full-contact sport is not only athletic but a smashing blend of colourful characters and pop culture, with music and ongoing play-by-play that makes for an entertaining evening out.
The upstairs beer garden, constant prize give-a-ways and 50/50 draw are also added fan incentives.
Information at the West Kootenay Roller Derby website says that since 2009, they have grown to include six teams with over one hundred players from Salmo, Rossland, Castlegar, Slocan City, Trail, Fruitvale, Kaslo, Ymir and Nelson.
West Kootenay Roller Derby is a not for profit roller derby league that is run by the skaters, for the skaters. Their website is at www.kootenayrollerderby.com .
The Dam City Rollers will be back in action at Selkirk College in Castlegar on Saturday, June 1 when they take on the Tournament City Derby Dolls from Kamloops and the Kootenay Kannibelles will go up against the Spokannibals from Washington.