Wollongong Illawarra Roller Derby Inc.

On 19th March two freshly minted roller derby teams battled it out for an early home season advantage in Bout One of WIRD’s home season, Hitz from the Gong. The atmosphere at Croome Road Stadium was electric, as the crowd buzzed with questions: Would the new green stars shine or be overwhelmed amongst WIRD’s seasoned elite? Would anyone get hurt? Would the roof stop leaking? And most importantly, who would triumph, the formidable Vipers or the stone cold Vixens?

Both teams made a memorable entrance. The Vipers, captained by the abominable Penny Narsty, skated out with a 12 metre green Viper, known as Victor. This team mascot was a product of a weekend working bee and is symbolic of the team ethos of WIRD’s Vipers. The Vixens, accompanied by Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady” and lead out by the glamorous Janis Job’em, a mix of derby cunning, experience and youthful enthusiasm.

After great anticipation, Hitz from the Gong got underway. This season isn’t just special because it marks WIRD’s first home season but both teams contained many fresh bouters who made extremely important contributions to their teams successes on the night. Jamming for the Vipers, Chakram and Manic Bullet quickly established their reputations on the track. Chakram glided through the track as silently as a ninja while the Bullet quickstepped around many unaware blockers, both quickly accumulating points for their team. Vixen Thunda from Down Unda took a more strategic approach to jamming, carefully finding gaps and moving through the pack seamlessly. Strategy within the pack was largely positional, given the damp conditions. Demander from the Vixens and Viper White Hawk took lead positions as pivots, directing their teams into impenetrable walls, flying V’s and the odd set n’ pick. Both teams accrued points steadily despite the best efforts of the other, at the end of the first period the Vixens had pulled ahead: 62: 42

Referees, affectionately known as the “Zebra Pack” are an often neglected, yet vital part of derby. Thanks to some ref magic during the break, the water problem on the track had all but disappeared and the scene was set for some heavy hits during the second half. Strategy also saw a wider variety of jamming styles, as aggressive jamming featured more heavily in the second half of the bout. Vixens AVO, Demander and Janis Job’em and Unleashed, Tantrum and Penny Narsty from the Vipers were no shrinking violets, bravely barging their way through hostile packs in a desperate scramble for points. The Vipers employed a wide range of strategies too, shifting key players around in an attempt to shut down the perilous Vixens. Crowd favourite Sredy racked up the points for the Vixens with daring, confident skating, leaping past the Viper’s carefully constructed walls and quickly becoming the night’s leading scorer.

Despite the under strength Viper’s best efforts, the Vixens triumphed 135-98. The crowd loved the bout and many left the night with a new appreciation of Derby, all were dazzled by the skill, bravery and strategy exhibited on the track. While the Vixens took home the “Hitz From the Gong” trophy, the victor of the home season still remains uncrowned. Stay tuned for Round 2, Green Legs and Jam at Berkeley Netball Stadium on April 30th.

Courtney Love Bite

Thanks to Keean from Relativity for creating this beautiful video!

WIRD Vipers vs Vixens Bout #1 from Relativity on Vimeo.