Hive of Bs

What do you know of the Rockers? Any Marseille tactics/players the crowd should look out for? UK derby is a bit of a mystery for us but we’ve done some research. Brighton is a strong team and we can’t wait for the bout. We are ready to be amazed and to learn from them. I can’t tell you about our tactics, but our Ju-Ju-JuL strategy will be remembered. We really see ourselves as a collective. The idea that each player uses their strengths to enhance the team is deeply rooted in us.

Any message for MRDC fans here today? Ici c’est pas Brighton, c’est Marseille bébé!

Welcome new Rockerbillies

Betty May Rage

I got into quad skating during lockdown and carried on skating outside after that. I love roller derby but I also love skating in the sunshine; not that the leisure centre halls of Brighton and Hove don’t have their own charm! I have wanted to take derby up for years but was way too scared. I finally plucked up the courage to join in January 2022 (partly spurred on by having been stuck inside during Covid) and I’m so glad that I did. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming from the start. Often people who aren’t involved in derby don’t believe me when I describe the sport and then say what a bunch of softies all my teammates are!

Today’s my first public game. Win or lose, I hope we have a good game as a team, make it to the end in one piece and are proud of ourselves. Everyone has worked so hard over the past year (longer for the 2020 rookies) so getting the chance to skate as a team will be amazing.

KAT O’KLYSM

I joined the Rockers at the end of 2019 so had a couple of months of rookie training before lockdown stopped everything. I’d previously skated as a kid and been to a few roller discos, but I could only really roll forwards. I couldn’t stop without grabbing hold of something! Everyone was so welcoming and encouraging, as they continue to be to this day. Our derby family is such a lovely thing to be a part of. I’m really glad that I got the courage to join up.

Jammy Dodge Her

I did my first derby taster in 2015 and started Fresh Meat in 2016, but I couldn’t commit and stopped after three months. I came back in 2020 and met some very awesome people. I saw saw my first ever game in March. Then lockdown put a sudden stop to it all. We continued skating and working out over Zoom during 2020 but that fizzled out. I guess no one realised the shutdown would go on as long as it did. Many of us were desperate to return to roller derby, so when we could finally restart rookie training in 2022 it was brilliant. Even better, that return brought in more rookies to the group. I’ve found the third time’s a charm situation perfect. I love how inclusive everyone is. It’s the most caring and supportive group I’ve ever met, as well as being a great sport for working out the week’s frustrations!