Anarchy and action as roller derby returns
A bit of anarchy and some explosive action are on the cards as roller derby returns to Nelson.
The intra-league bout at the Nelson Roller Rink at Tahunanui on Saturday night is billed as a clash between the Mums of Anarchy and Breaking Dads.
Colourful themes are part of the derby culture, and there is sure to be enough hard-hitting action at the rink to make Walter White and Jax Teller flinch.
The bout involves Nelson’s Sirens of Smash league members, and seven invitees from other leagues.
Breaking Dads captain Meagan Turner ( Creme de la Femme) said the intra-league matches were always themed for a bit of fun, ‘‘so we decided to pick a TV theme as it is relatable to the general public.
‘‘We hope those who come to watch get amongst the themed fun and put on their favourite fake moustache for the Dads or biker gear for the Mums!’’
Turner said intra-league bouts gave the hometown players an opportunity to experience different playing styles.
‘‘The New Zealand derby community is pretty tight knit and very friendly so it’s great to have an opportunity to play together.’’
Mums of Anarchy captain Kellie Doreen (Kelfa Leather) said Nelson’s relative isolation limited the number of matches it could stage, so the bout provided valuable experience, as well as a lot of fun.
Roller derby is a full-contact women’s sport that has been growing in popularity since the early 2000s. New Zealand has the most players per capita.
Four ‘‘blockers’’ from each team skate in a pack, with one jammer aiming to get through the pack, gaining points as they pass members of the opposing team.
Each team works to get their jammer through, and try to stop competitors from doing the same.
The Nelson Tasman region has had a team since 2011.
Intensive ‘‘fresh meat’’ training courses for new players are run each year. One is underway at the moment, with 17 new skaters.