Women's roller derby season opener intense
By Contributor
West Kootenay Roller Derby proved that it’s anyone’s’ season this year.
Castlegar’s Dam City Rollers faced off against Salmo’s Babes of Brutality in the first bout of the night.
It was a close game through both 30-minute halves, with the Babes leading by as few as 40 points and ultimately winning with an unofficial score of 179-136.
Track cutting penalties near the end of the first half left the Babes with excellent scoring opportunities in the form of power jams.
The Dams made a valiant effort in the second half, and an unfortunate false start kept them from gaining the lead during a power jam opportunity. As is usual when these two powerful, hard hitting teams collide on the flat track, there were hits that made the crowd groan, and pile ups that left everyone breathless.
With Salmo playing with a short roster of only nine women, it’s easy to see why the originating team of the Koots is respected and deserving of this win.
Later that night, the mood was still high in the arena when the Rossland Trail Roller Girls (RTRG) made their first appearance as a newly amalgamated team (formerly Rossland’s Gnarlie’s Angels and Trail’s Bad News Betties). League players were eager to scope out the team’s ability as they corralled on the sidelines, also checking out their challenger, Nelson’s KillJoys.
RTRG surprised the crowd with their skating ability, quick jammers and their determination in the second half. The Killjoys proved they are a force to be reckoned with – showing strong strategy and solid walls – which lead them to triumph with an unofficial score of 196-161.
The next bout takes place May 11 at Castlegar’s Selkirk College.
5 p.m. – Dams take on RTRG
7 p.m. – Babes play the Valley Vendettas.
If you haven’t taken in a roller derby game yet, now’s your chance. The season just kicked off with the first of six games before Mountain Mayhem 4 determines the championship team of the West Kootenays. Ticket info Coming SOON!!! www.kootenayrollerderby.com
