Last Sunday, I was invited to come down to an old warehouse in Downtown Phoenix to watch the Renegade Rollergirls put on a bout at their new practice location. This bout, being put on for a by-invitation-only audience, was also being recorded by a major sports network for a documentary on alternative sports. Renegades came in from all of their sister leagues including Orange County, San Diego and Bend, OR.
It was a very interesting experience. When I arrived, I had to climb a ladder to get into the building. It was windy outside and it was about to rain and I was wearing my normal plaid skirt, if that gives you a clue. As I walk up the wooden stairs to get to the second level (of course, I could have used the oversized freight elevator, which was still working), I feel like I walked into a scene from "Max Headroom".
The room was fairly dark except for the streaks of light that were coming in through the small windows throughout the building. A very ackward and thin track was set up in a part of the warehouse. The backstretch was along a brick wall with about a 18 inch buffer zone. The wood columns had to be padded as the track design involved you having to skate between these wood columns. Some who were there commented that the floor was made of slate.
Both teams made their entrance into the rink using the freight elevator and the bout went out without too many snags. Before a single camera documentary crew, the Renegades showed the world what they were made of. Their no-rules style was definitely in full force. There were a few fights but nothing more than what I have seen in the past at Derby Dames. The Renegades pretty much have only one rule, the Golden Rule. (Do on to others as you expect them to do on to you).
Fortunately, no one hit the wood columns and the only close-call was in the final jam when Texas Time Bomb who was skating on the white squad was hit hard and went down in turn 4. She made it back up OK.
When it was all over with, the Black Squad beat the White Squad 54-30.
In Tucson, the Furious Truckstop Waitresses beat the Copper Queens 104-75. The FTW stay #1 while the Queens fall to #3. In the second bout, the Vice Squad take out the Iron Curtain 128-86 moving Vice to #2.
Next Arizona derby action will be on March 29 where you will have a choice of Arizona Roller Derby where the new Bruisers will take on the Surly Gurlies. We have heard from sources that Trish and Ivanna will not be skating that night for the Bruisers and that Paige Burner is supposed to be subbing on the Bruiser team. This is a good chance to see some of AZRD's new talent. azrollerderby.com
Across town, Arizona Derby Dames will be showing off their newest team, The Runaway Brides as they take on a very easy bout against the Bombshells. Also, the Coffin Draggers (without Dolly) will take on the School Yard Scrappers. azderbydames.com
THE ARIZONA DERBY REPORT
Michelle A. Eyre/Michi-chan
michichan.com
