Dolls try to disarm Atomic Bombs

In what was billed as their first full-length derby bout Taupo’s Huka Dolls travelled to Tauranga to tackle an Atomic Bomb on Saturday.

Unfortunately the ladies found out why bomb-disposal technicians generally do not wear roller skates to work, coming up short on the night but learning much for future matches.

While the game started off close as both sides probed each other for weaknesses the experienced Mount Militia Atomic Bombs squad soon started skating away with the match to win by 100 points.

‘‘We definitely came back stronger in the second half,’’ Huka Dolls’ playmaker Tabatha Farr said.

‘‘We got about 40 points in two jams near the end of the match.’’

Farr said despite the result it was a good learning experience for the Huka Dolls who will be looking to shore up some weaknesses in their attack and defence.

‘‘They had definitely played together more than us and it showed,’’ Farr said.

‘‘They were a very hard-hitting squad and we learned we need to control the pace of the game better.

‘‘We tried to match them in speed but we need to play at our pace and slow the game down.’’

The bout was billed as the Huka Doll’s first foray into fulllenght derby however a injury early on in the match reduced the match to be only two, 15-minute halves.

‘‘That means it does not count as an official game,’’ Farr said.

This means the Dolls will get another chance at a first impression in a few weeks time when they travel to the ‘Day of Derby’ event in Whanganui this April.

Farr said the Huka Dolls are still recruiting for new members and have plenty of spaces available for new recruits.

For the next three Sundays a training and have-a-go day is being held at Taupo-nui-a-tia school hall where budding derby debutantes can try their hand at a unique sport.

‘‘It’s a good way to try our the sport,’’ Farr said.

‘‘Derby is a great way to learn a new sport and meet new people.

‘‘Classes run from 3-5pm on Sunday and it only costs $5 if you have skates or $10 if you need to hire some.

‘‘The only thing you need to bring is a helmet.’’