MARCH 2010
28th March 2010 is a day that won't soon be forgotten. After, as much as, two years of training and preparation the Western Sydney Rollers debuted to a huge crowd of family and friends. The league split into two teams, The Boogie Babies and The Scarlet Harlots to show off their skills.
The Boogie Babies, adorned in league colours of mint green and black, blasted onto the track with Team Captain - Pollywanna Hackher, Alternate - Barge Simpson, Lil Miss Irish, Hermoine Maimher, H.R. Punch'n'Stuff, Major Dil-Emma & Belle La Bruise.
The Scarlot Harlots, aptly named for their colours of crimson and black, included team Captain Betty B Prayin, Alternate - Atomic Cherry, Max Manic aka maxxxTrouble, Lil Miss Payne,
Un-Bearable, Lady Fairy Floss, Suzie Ephadrine and Squeaks Bye!
The intrepid group arrived early, checking and re-checking their gear, assuring each other and looking for friendly faces as spectators arrived. Knees that shook during introductions became suddenly stable and the girls focused as the first whistle blew. Held in 3, 20 minute, segments the bout was both exhilarating and challenging.
The hits were hard, the falls real and the joy of play a well earned reward as the Western Sydney Rollers made their away around the track. Many people in the crowd, having never seen roller derby, learned the rules and objectives as fishnet legs whizzed by. Confusion turned to cheers as they watched jammers battle through the pack and began to understand why their daughters, wives, sisters or friends love roller derby. Hundreds of audible groans were released with each crunch of pads on the wooden floor and grimaced face watched as fallen girls protected themselves from oncoming skates.
Referees, announcers, score keepers and time keepers kept the bout organised, fair and fun. While score was kept for the benefit of the spectators each and every member of the Western Sydney Rollers were winners this day. As the final whistle blew the flood of relief, joy, exhaustion and gratitude washed over them. Red and green came together for hugs, smiles and accolades before a victory lap was skated.
The Western Sydney Rollers skate out of Penrith NSW and hope that you will join them for future bouts.