Monday 9 May 2011

Great Yorkshire Showdown!

Hi everyone, this is Polly Killer checking in with a (slightly belated) recap of the Great Yorkshire Showdown 2011, hosted by the beautiful and talented Leeds Roller Dolls.

This year's GYS was super exciting for us because last year's tournament in October was many MRDers first bout (we lost to Wakey Wheeled Cats 62:20), so it was a great chance for us to see how much we've improved in 6 months.... and we really have!

The tournament is made up of eight teams split in to groups, playing 30-minute games within their group, then the winner of each group goes to the final.  It's a massive derby fest with sooo much to see, although trying to concentrate on watching a bout when you're about to play one yourself isn't easy if you feel as sick as I always do!

Our first game was against the fabulous Dolly Rockit Rollers (who are the proud owners of my favourite team logo ever!) and they're a tough bunch who pushed us hard. They were 7 points up after the first jam & the gap widened even more, but after warming up a bit and one awesome 20-point jam from Fale we took the lead and went on to win 83:52.  Phew!  It's great to play a team that make you work so hard right up to the last second.


Tennel Aidie going in for the kill.
Photo by Daz Wilson

Next up for MRD was our old rivals and awesome buddies Hot Wheel Roller Derby, previously encountered at our first home bout Wonderbrawl (see the video here).  Like us they've made massive strides in the last 6 months, led in to battle by their hardcore coach Jerry Attric, so we prepared ourselves to give our all.

Well, we skated hard and managed to pull a tremendous win of 71:48, leaving us with half an hour until the final against Leeds Roller Dolls.  Eeeek!  We had to hold it together, stretch out, stay focused and discuss how we were going to approach the game.  We knew we had LRD's infamous walls to contend with.

Well, it was hard and fast and we skated like we've never skated before.  The score after a full hour of gameplay was 142:85 to Leeds, and they freaking deserved it!  Those ladies know how to put up a fight!


Fale shows us what she's made of!
Photo by Scott Kellie

After that there was nothing left to do but party! Although I can't sign off this post without one special mention... we at MRD hold a special place in our hearts for the Liverpool Roller Birds, and there is one Bird who showed an example to us all that day.  Yes, I'm talking about the wonderful Sissy Breakneck, who left blocking behind her for one jam only and jammed like a rocket for LRB nearly doubling their points!  One of the greatest parts of roller derby is going out of your comfort zone and taking on the world.  Sissy, we salute you!


Check out that grin!
Photo by Daz Wilson
You can find more info about Manchester Roller Derby at our website www.manchesterrollerderby.co.uk

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