Ghouls versus girls gets ready to roll
What’s worse than an invasion of the shuffling undead? Zombies on skates.
A team of ghouls will rise up on rollerskates against more wholesome opponents in a sporting contest with a difference in Nelson this weekend.
Nelson Bays Roller Derby League, the Sirens of Smash, are putting on a Zombies vs Girl Guides bout as an intra-league exhibition game on Saturday night at the Tahunanui skate rink.
Zombies captain Sarah (‘‘Grievous’’) Haycock said she expected the game would be a fun one to watch and would also provide an opportunity for development within the Sirens league.
‘‘It’s a fun old good versus evil match-up theme, but the question really is who will rise up on their skates or earn their merit badge,’’ Haycock said.
‘‘There’ll be lots of fake blood and look-alike scouting uniforms, but also hopefully some big hits and happy faces.’’
Fans can also get into the spirit by dressing up to support the forces of good or evil.
Roller derby, a predominantly female sport, is growing in popularity worldwide since it was revived in the United States in the early 2000s.
During a game, four players 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. Play is both offensive and defensive; the aim is to get your jammer through, and to try to stop your opponents doing the same.
Sirens president Shanann (‘‘Venom dePlume’’) Carr said Saturday’s game came at a time when the league was trying to raise the profile of the sport locally, both to keep the current roster of about 25 players full, and to attract more skating referees and non-skating officials (NSOs).
The game, far from being a freefor-all as it is sometimes depicted, requires up to seven referees and 12 NSOs.
‘‘Volunteers and officials are a huge part of our sport,’’ Carr said.
She said those interested in officiating could make contact through the Sirens of Smash Facebook page, and women interested in playing could also register their interest there ahead of a planned summer training programme.
Saturday’s game is at the Nelson Skate Rink in Tahunanui, doors open 6pm, game begins 7pm. Tickets $5 adult, $2 child.