Turn Left Issue 10

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RESULTS/FIXTURES

18/6/11 v Seaside Siren Roller Girls 281-16 6/8/11 v CAMBRIDGE ROLLERBILLIES 141-132 15/10/11 v DUBLIN ROLLERGIRLS 158-115 18/2/12 v LRG BATTER C POWER 223-192 10/3/12 v Gent Go-Go Girls 169-140 14/4/12 v Cambridge Rollerbillies 304-60 26/5/12 v DOLLY ROCKIT ROLLERS 224-69 15/9/12 v Dublin Rollergirls 351-84 17/11/12 v BIG BUCKS HIGH ROLLERS 357-110 9/3/13 v LONDON ROCKIN’ ROLLERS 237-210 20/4/13 v Glasgow Roller Derby 111-310 25/5/13 v Kent Roller Girls* 207-120 25/5/13 v LRG Brawl Saints* 101-223 26/5/13 v Bristol Roller Derby* 175-251 21/9/13 v LEEDS ROLLER DOLLS 176-142 26/10/13 v Auld Reekie Roller Girls 89-349 23/11/13 v CENTRAL CITY ROLLERGIRLS 170-156 15/2/14 v RAINY CITY ROLLERGIRLS 174-163 15/3/14 v PARIS ROLLERGIRLS 178-174 10/5/14 v MIDDLESBRO MILK ROLLERS 123-230 26/7/14 v CROYDON ROLLER DERBY 163-151 20/9/14 v BRISTOL ROLLER DERBY 277-209 25/10/14 v Portsmouth Roller Wenches 221-159 7/2/15 v TEAM DRAGON ROLLER DERBY 145-242 21/2/15 v Seaside Siren Roller Girls*+ 253-175 21/3/15 v Bristol Roller Derby*+ 223-227 9/5/15 v Royal Windsor Roller Girls*+ 196-348 23/5/15 v HOT WHEEL ROLLER DERBY 11/7/15 v PORTSMOUTH ROLLER WENCHES+ 8/8/15 v London Rockin’ Rollers*+ A-team open door only / Brighton score listed first capitals = home / * = neutral / + = British Champs

EDITOR/DESIGNER/PUBLISHER: Adam Peters CONTRIBUTORS: All of our lovely interviewees PHOTOGRAPHERS: John Hesse: front and back covers, pages 3 (Gin, Cooper), 6 (background, Enyo), 8- 9 (all) & 10 (background) // Jason Ruffell of Roller Derby On Film: pages 4, 5, 6 (Peggy) & 10 (top right) // Chris Bell: page 3 (Rose) PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOVELY ADVERTISERS THEY KEEP THIS MAGAZINE FREE OF CHARGE

PREDICTIONS AND THAT

A NEUTRAL VIEW

“Brighton v Hot Wheel has to be the most hotly anticipated game of the year – two titanic teams from opposite ends of the country, both of whom have given us (Croydon) some of the toughest games of our lives. I haven’t filled in my bank details on a ticketing website so quickly since I saw Dolly Parton.

Hot Wheel will be a huge challenge to Brighton. When we played them last year, they were a team described to us as simply “good” – accompanied by a solemn nod and serious eyebrows. And yes, these guys are good. Famous for training without toe-stops, Hot Wheel are wise to fancy footwork and no matter how nippy and darty you are, they will find a way to be on all of the track, all of the time. They are also ruthless recyclers, which is soul-destroying for a jammer. Croydon had to use brute force – not our usual tactic – just to get them out of the way. Their offence is strong and co-ordinated, though we noticed that their small jammer rotation struggled against classic brace positions and a good old-school pocket. If Hot Wheel can keep their cool throughout today, Brighton will have a real fight on their hands.

As for Brighton, Croydon have never managed to beat them.

We’ve come close on so many occasions but, as a notoriously ‘second half’ team, Brighton always nudge ahead. I think this is because everyone jams and blocks – there are no designated positions. You have terrifying powerhouses like Gin Atomic and The Mighty Mighty Bash mixed up with tiny bolts of lightning like Rose Bleed, and so whenever you think you’ve nailed their style, they change it up again. This is a very special game too – it’s Bash’s last hurrah before jetting off to New Zealand, and Racey’s first game back after the nine month injury (that’s a baby, not a fracture). Brighton have everything to play for here. I’m not going to say who my money’s on, but teammate Do or Dyduch and I have a pint resting on the winner...”

AGENT COOPER, CROYDON ROLLER DERBY

THIS IS BRIGHTON... WELCOME TO DERBY

Woo, we’ve made it to double figures! Our tenth issue means Turn Left is the second longest running UK derby magazine ever, overtaking the sadly defunct national mag Lead Jammer (eight print issues plus one online) but some way behind Inside Line, whose final issue (16) is out soon. Sixteen is also the number of pages in this, our smallest issue. If you or anyone you know might like to advertise in future issues (so we can have 20-28 pages again) please do get in touch.

We’ve packed so much in to the reduced page count there was no room for the UKRDA table. Hot Wheel are currently 11th on 651.4 points and Brighton 13th on 625.7. Flattrackstats give the visitors a 64% win probability, with a predicted differential of 51:44. This equates to something like a 204-176 Hot Wheel win. Super close – eek!

BRIGHTON ROCKERS ROLLER DERBY

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LEAVING BASH

Sadly, Brighton’s most famous and iconic player THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BASH plays her last game today...

We understand that today marks your last game for the Brighton Rockers. Will you remain involved in roller derby? I don’t think so but never say never. I’m going back to New Zealand. I’ll be keeping in touch with the Rockers though. A lot of them are my closest friends, so I’ll still be hearing the goss and looking out for how the team is doing.

What have been your personal highlights of your time with the Rockers? How has the league developed over that time? Highlights: so many.

DUBLIN! Watching the very first scrimmage against Croydon, the Rockers all looked like they were gonna cry. Watching them blitz Windsor in their first bout.

When they played Sirens with nine players for their first away bout, were so nervous but won 281-16. Away games, too many shots at afterparties, some amazing fancy dress, so many highlights. In the time I’ve actually skated on the team, we’ve developed immensely.

I think we were lucky enough to get ahead of the game at the beginning. In the last year and a half we’ve really had some tough games and plateaued, but I think we’ve realised what we’ve been lacking and have game plan to get us back up to being the formidable side we were. As a league we’ve grown. I think our current directors – Kapow, Emma the Condemner and Derby McGee – have made some great changes and reorganised things so the league runs smoothly. I’m so proud of our league. I really feel we all get on well and respect each other. There’s not a lot of drama in our league which I know some leagues do have. Favourite game? I think we had some real nailbiters last year but I reckon the Paris game was ace.

What do you know about today’s opponents Hot Wheel? As a coach I should know everything about this team, but to be honest I know nothing. I guess we will be looking at what it is they are good at, and hoping our game is stronger or we are quick to adapt.

Any Rockers who people should look out for in this game? It’s Skate Bush’s first home game. She

only started Fresh Meat end of last year and blitzed her first A-team game against Windsor two weeks ago. Racey – she’s back and better than ever. She’s not only made the perfect wee human that is Oliver, but has also been training really hard and looking great too. I’m so glad she’s back to play in my last game.

Anyone to look out for in the B-team game? Chloe Colossus has been grafting! She has come on leaps and bounds so I’m excited to see what she’s pulls out of the bag today. Tactically B-team games are the same as A-team ones, just executed differently. It will be a lot slower, but is just as challenging for those players.

With three of Brighton’s five divisional games out of the way, how has British Champs been going for the A-team? Um, no comment. Really we’ve not done very well. I said earlier we have plateaued and whilst we know that and are working towards remedying the situation it does take time to readjust and retrain. I knew the game against Windsor was going to be hard, but I’ve seen us play many a game where we come back in the second half and fix all of our flaws. Last couple of games we haven’t done that.

Coaches are on it with sessions, bench crew are on it, skaters are on it. I think we will put in strong performances at the next two Champs games.

We’d like to wish you happy travels. Do you have any parting words? Thanks. To the Rockers: I bloody love you guys. You’ve done so well in making this league what it is and I think you are an awesome bunch of people and have been epic teammates.

Thanks for putting up with my massive hits, my disapproving face at training, my singing, my shouting, my sacrificing pushes, my mini tantrums, supporting me in my derby career and bringing your best game to the table. Please don’t stop doing away dress themes – they are too funny. World famous in the eyes of BRRD. Honestly it’s been an absolute pleasure, I’m gonna miss not skating and seeing your faces every week. To everyone else: thanks for the support. I pretend like I’m not fussed by the massive cheers, photos, shouts, but who wouldn’t secretly love all that? You all are awesome. Thanks for getting involved with this sport and supporting your local roller derby team.

TL

HOT STUFF

HOT WHEEL ROLLER DERBY

Knowing very little about our visitors from Leeds, we caught up with HWRD’s GRACE VENTURA and RUTHLESS PHILLY...

For anyone who might not be aware of Hot Wheel Roller Derby, can you tell us a bit about your league? Hot Wheel was founded in 2010 with a group of skaters coming together wanting to build a league which focused on skating and teamwork. We have a fully qualified skate coach and are the only stopperless league in the UK; with every member skating at least six months without toe-stops, focussing on a variety of different skating skills. We’ve been lucky enough to travel and play in various European cities including Dublin, Paris and Stuttgart, with an upcoming game next week in Toulouse. We always have a lot of fun on Hottie holidays! Our focus and togetherness constantly pushes us towards our goal – to be the best.

Do you have a settled squad at the moment, and how’s your British Champs season (in the other Tier 2 division to Brighton) going? I think in the world of roller derby it’s rare not to have a somewhat fluid roster, but at the moment we have a lot of members and a full, strong roster. We have some players returning from time out (injury, maternity etc), newer players moving up from our B-team, and some staple figures who have been on our A-team for years. It’s an exciting time and we are a tight-knit league. I think our performance in the Champs so far has been strong and consistent. We have lost and won some in our tier (National North) and overall the team has come out happy with their performances throughout.

Yorkshire seems well represented in roller derby.

Leeds, for instance, is the only town/city with two leagues (yourselves and Leeds Roller Dolls)

HWRD RECENT RESULTS

11/10/14 v TIGER BAY BRAWLERS 115-214 15/11/14 v DUBLIN ROLLER DERBY 135-157 13/12/14 v CROYDON ROLLER DERBY 91-171 01/02/15 v Hellfire Harlots+ 166-172 28/02/15 v NEWCASTLE ROLLER DERBY+ 150-194 26/04/15 v Manchester Roller Derby*+ 255-107 Hot Wheel’s score is listed first for all games capitals = home / * = neutral / + = British Champs

in the current UKRDA Top 20... I think it’s great there are so many teams in Yorkshire! I think we are definitely doing our part to promote and play roller derby in the area, which is awesome.

Any particular Hot Wheel players or tactics that people should keep an eye out for today? We’ve been working on aspects to hone in on our skillset as a team. We are very receptive to one another on track and I think that really shows in how we play. There are a lot of formidable players on our team. The whole roster are a force to be reckoned with.

Do you know much about the Brighton Rockers ahead of today’s game? No we don’t, actually. This is the first time we have played Brighton. It’s been a long time coming and we are all really excited!

Today’s game is part of the Brighton Fringe arts festival? Are there any members of the your roster with particular artistic/performing skills?

Peggy Leethal has her own awesome interior design business, and she is a dab hand with all things art material and homewear related. Shell Yeah and Shiv Vicious both have creative flairs in a variety of mediums and are usually responsible for our league’s badass bout posters and programmes. Ducky (Danger Duck) is of a theatrical nature, having studied it and worked in the industry, and was also a figure skater. There are a lot of artistic women in our league as a whole!

Finally, do you have a message for the Hot Wheel fans in the crowd here today? We love you. Make *all* the noise for us, like you always do.

ROCKERS vS HOT WHEEL

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Do you have any special game day rituals or superstitions?

I *love* the team breakfast – perhaps more than the game! It’s nice to have some downtime with the team before playing.

Just my eye black. It’s the only thing that I have to have on game day. I’ve never played a game without it.

Not anything specific, just a high energy track that makes you wanna dance. Taylor Swift would do it.

I like listening to punk music before a game if I get the chance. I love ‘Human Cannonball’ by Butthole Surfers and ‘It’s Clobberin Time’ by Sick of It All. They’re pretty good jamming anthems.

Is there any special song/music that motivates you for a game?

What skates/wheels do you play in and how long have you had them?

I’ve had the same set-up for four years. It doesn’t change for practice or games, which is probably really bad. Riedell 126 black boots and Radar Tuner red wheels (the ‘She Devil Package’).

I skate on Renos which I’ve had for a couple of years. The wheels are Grease Greens and are as old as my derby career (three years). I’ve never changed them.

What’s your greatest achievement in roller derby?

Hmm, probably just playing! I get really nervous before a game and I’m the least aggressive person.

Making it to the final round of the Team England tryouts when I’d only been skating for eighteen months. I’m pretty proud of that.

What’s your personal target for today’s game?

Every game I play I try to focus on being solid and alert. That’s it really, not letting my teammates down.

To play smart and with my team.

Do you have a particular ‘special move’ you’re known for?

Ha! No. Maybe booty blocking, but that’s more because of my big booty than any skill.

One my nicknames at Hot Wheel (since day one) is ‘Pop-up Peggy’, because when I go down I get up again really quickly.

Do you (or did you) play any sports other than derby?

I played everything and anything going at school as long as it was team-based. I used to kitesurf. I occasionally wakeboard and snowboard. Hobbies can get expensive or too time-consuming...

I was a 10m platform diver on Team GB many years ago.

Nowadays I’m all about the roller derby. There simply isn’t room for anything else.

What’s your favourite part of a derby track?

The apex. It’s the blockers’ chance to cut off the jammer and where the skilled jammers can make the impressive jump.

The jam line. I love the anticipation before the whistle goes.

What did you find the hardest element of Minimum Skills to pass?

It was soooo long ago, probably a left T-stop

The 25 laps in five minutes. I was such a rubbish newbie!

What’s the best advice you received when learning to play derby?

Derby stance. Staying low, really bending your knees from day one to build those core muscles. This is what you need not only for balance, but to hit harder and skate faster.

Never to compare my progress with other people’s and that I only had myself to beat. It was Ruthless Philly who told me this at my first session. She probably noticed my competitive streak!

Do you have any special afterparty talents?

I’m renowned for bailing on the afterparties – having a family thing or birthday or something. If I do attend, then I wouldn’t say it’s a talent, but I have a wonderful drunk eye which gets a mind all of its own. So watch out for that :)

I have walked on my hands at a couple of them. That’s a trick from my diving days.

I don’t really have one. As you’ve probably worked out by now, I’m the least ‘derby’ derby player there is.

Suzy Hotrod, because she’s an amazing skater and a great ambassador for the sport. She’s just a really cool lady.

Who is your roller derby hero and why?

BRIGHTON’S NEW B-TEAM

TL

ROCKERBILLIE STYLIN’

There’s a new gang in town! CAKE OR DEATH introduces us to the Rockers B-team. jamming. She has a lot of power and has been called “a Bash in the making”. Kapow (of the Kapowerjam) has taken some time off derby for studying, so she will be playing her first game in months with the B-team today – it’s good to have her back.

So how long have the Rockerbillies (the Rockers’ new B-team) been going? The Rockerbillies have been going since March. They’ve played two games together, but have also had a lot of practices in scrimmages and mixed teams. The purpose of the B-team is the same as the A-team: WIN, FUN, LEARN (and usually in that order)!

People may remember previous B-team the Bruisers, who played as part of a double header here in Haywards in March 2013. What happened to them? We definitely mourned the loss of the Bruisers. It was a fantastically fun side to play for and we had some epic wins! We were minus a B-team for about a year or so altogether due to player injuries, people moving on (babies, jobs etc) and needing to train a new lot of Fresh Meat to a level that we were happy to bout with. These new girls are equally fun – yet to attempt a human pyramid at an afterparty though – and have brought a fresh outlook to the league. We are very proud to have them.

Presumably the Rockerbillies squad features a mix of experience levels. Anyone in today’s squad who we might already know from the Ateam? Today you will see Chaka Carnage plus a couple of the new A-team additions who played in our Champs game against Windsor two weeks ago; Irish Mist, Obliviator and Skate Bush.

Keep an eye out for Chaka doing some

Moving on to the skaters we might not have seen before. Any jammers to look out for? All the girls have been working hard at jamming skills. We never train jammers and blockers separately, so expect to see most of them jamming and racking up the points.

Skate Bush is a definitely a force to be reckoned with... if she isn’t trying to foul out!

And in the blocking ranks? Bionic Betty, a transfer from Portsmouth who has had a long recovery from a broken ankle, has an excellent derby brain and we’ve seen some great hits from her. Chloe Colossus is a nippy jammer and also excellent in a wall – she’ll be gunning for MVP, I have no doubt. And make sure that you check out the legs on Girl Tower. Phwoar!

TL

MEET THE ROCKERBILLIES

Who is benching and coaching the Rockerbillies?

Gin Atomic will be our bench and Swann our lineup. They are both awesome players and bench team – we’re very grateful for the time and energy they put in for us. All our coaches have been coaching both the A and B-teams and we no longer have separate A and B practices. We are very proud that all our league members can manage all our drills; it’s up to the individual to step it up to the appropriate level.

The Rockerbillies are taking on a mixed opposition today. What leagues are being represented in that side? Rochester Royal Rollers, Bourne Bombshells, Surrey Rollergirls, Oxford Roller Derby, Las Palmas Roller Derby, Big Bucks High Rollers and Hertfordshire Roller Derby. An awesome mix of teams. We’re very excited! Amazing Grace from the Bombshells has put in some spectacular performances recently and she’s my one to watch. I think its gonna be a close game. A few of the opposition players have a lot more experience than the Rockerbillies, but we have the benefit of practicing together. We know how each other plays and use this to our advantage.

Any other games planned for the B-team in 2015?

Yes indeed. You’ll be able to see the Rockerbillies challenge the Bombshells, Croydon B, Portsmouth B, LRR B and Surrey at Eastbourne Extreme.

Then in November they will be playing Lille at home. The aim of the B-team is to give the newer girls an opportunity to play games. Training is fun, but we all train in order to play games.

If some of them want to work their butts off and try to make the roster for the A-team then that’s really great. But it would also be most excellent if the new B-team was to become a force to be reckoned with in themselves.

PLAYER PROFILE: POLLY DARTIN’ How did you get into derby? I first heard about roller derby from a friend of mine who plays with the Portsmouth Roller Wenches. That was around a year before I tried out for Fresh Meat with the Rockers. I hadn’t seen a roller derby game when I started and I’d only had a few weeks of skating experience too. I learnt a lot in such a short time, but that was down to having excellent Fresh Meat coaches.

What playing position do you prefer? I prefer blocking, since I’m a really stable skater, and I have a good awareness of where I need to be on the track to help my jammer and teammates. I’ve recently started jamming a lot more too, so hopefully I’ll become a double threat if I keep working at it!

How many games have you played so far? Not including my normal training and weekly Rockers scrims, I’ve played three open door games and six closed doors and have gone to seven bootcamps since passing FM in December! I’ve pretty much been all over the south coast and have had the opportunity to skate with so many other leagues in the process. So far I’ve played two closed door B-team games with the Rockers (against Croydon’s Vice Squad and Norfolk’s Jolly Dodgers) meaning that today will not only be the first B-team open door but it will be my tenth game as well. We have a few more B-team games lined up and we are all really looking forward to playing outdoors at Eastbourne Extreme this summer.

How important is the existence of the B-team to your derby development? The jump between Fresh Meat and the Rockers A-team would feel impossible without our B-team. As a B-team most of us started our FM together and have spent a lot of time training, watching games and just hanging out as friends!

There is nothing more motivating than having your mates there with you every step of the way.

What’s your derby ambition? Do all the things!

SKATE THE CROSSOVER

BUSH PUSH

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The latest new addition to the A-team ranks, SKATE BUSH talks ambitions...

Hi, can you tell us what background you had in skating/sport prior to joining Rockers Fresh Meat? I have no background in sport at all really. I’ve tried loads of sports over the years – netball, softball, even korfball – but never found anything that I liked enough to stick it out. That’s until I found roller derby. I used to skate around as a kid, but when I joined Fresh Meat last summer I hadn’t put on skates for about 15 years! Derby appealed because I loved roller skating as a kid and I loved the ‘any body, every body’ ethos of derby. It’s inclusive and that’s awesome.

Was the FM programme what you were expecting? Fresh Meat was a roller coaster. Some weeks were easy and the skills and drills went in and stayed in. Other weeks I felt like I was never going to get it.

We had amazing coaches in Mistress and Rose Bleed; they really helped break the tough stuff down and supported you every step/skate of the way.

You made your public debut in the mixed opener before February’s Rockers home game (Clowns v Magicians). Did that go as you were expecting?

My cherry popper game was a blur! I couldn’t tell you much about it at all. The first few jams were terrifying and the rest took every ounce of brainpower. Until that game I hadn’t really gasped the concept of ‘derby brain’, but I realised during that game (a) what it was, and (b) that I didn’t have it yet!

Have you played many other games or scrims since that cherry popper? I’ve played quite a few scrims and mixed rookie games now. I try to play as many as I possibly can, travelling all over the country with my fellow B-teamers to cram in as many as possible. The Rockerbillies starting up has really helped.

We’ve played two games now, with a few more in the pipeline over the summer. It’s brilliant to play with fellow rookies (lots of whom were freshies with me) and grow together as a team.

How would you describe your playing style and what ambitions do you have in roller derby? I’d love to have a place regularly on the A-team roster, but I’ve got a lot of learning to do. At the moment, I’m really happy just being a crossover skater. The

great thing about skating for Brighton is the number of brilliant coaches we have. I trust in them to know what I’m capable of and when. I’m a jammer and pivot on the B-team and I like the outside and inside lines; but on the A-team I go wherever I’m told!

We understand you’re also involved with the fundraising side of things. What does that entail?

I’m on the Fundraising Committee. We basically raise money to ensure the Rockers keep on rolling. We’ve just done a Warrior Run race, where a group of hardcore Rockers fought through mud and obstacles and raised £850 for the team. Our next challenge is getting our Fresh Meat programmes funded, and finding a tape sponsor. Do you know anyone who wants to buy us a lot of track tape?!

How much of your free time does roller derby currently take up? Is it difficult finding a balance between derby and other stuff? Well… yeah, derby does kinda take over – but in a good way. We train twice a week, then games and bootcamps at the weekends. Plus committee stuff. But if it’s something you love doing then you find the time. I’ve never loved a sport more, so any chance to skate I’ll take it.

Finally, what advice can you give to anyone reading this who might fancy taking up derby? I’d recommend anyone thinking of giving it a go to find their local league (or join Brighton Rockers). Get in touch and sign up to Fresh Meat. They will teach you everything you need to know, and who knows – this time next year it might be you on the track...

RANDOM QUESTION CHALLENGE

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What’s the longest distance you’ve skated? When we were in Barcelona, Noise Tank and myself skated point to point along the whole length of the beach. I think it’s about 6.3 kilometres.

What’s the most expensive roller derby related purchase you’ve made? I think, like most skaters, the biggest lump sum purchase is probably my skates.

Although travel is often the ongoing expense!

Which of your Rockers teammates would make the best pop star and why? All of them. Have you been to a Rockers afterparty? They could form a fabulous pop band and dance troupe. What’s your favourite cocktail recipe that includes gin? It has to be the Gin Smash. Refreshing and bloody delicious! Gin, sugar, mint, some fresh lemon juice and soda water.

How many people lying side-by-side could you jump over on skates and have you ever tried? I have jumped five or six in the past.

What other derby names did you consider before settling on the one you eventually chose? Hayleys Vomit and Tank Hurl.

What dish are you best at cooking and do you have a secret recipe? I love food. One of my current favourites is grilled chicken with peanut butter and super spicy salsa. That with salad is pretty badass.

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ROCKERS GO FOURTH

BRITISH CHAMPS ROUND-UP

Brighton’s 2015 is dominated by the British Championships. MISTER ADAM reports...

The biggest national tournament in global derby is taking place across the year. With 72 teams in thirteen divisions the season takes place in widely differing time frames. For example, Tier 4 South East (which features Sussex neighbours the Bourne Bombshells) only got under way a fortnight ago on May 9th. That same day saw the *fourth* double header game day in Tier 2 South, in which the Rockers are competing.

Brighton took on leaders Royal Windsor in Bristol that day (for some reason almost all the Rockers’ Champs games are taking place on neutral track). Although the Sussex league went down to a 348-196 defeat, getting 56% of the points Windsor did is far better than others have managed against them. RWRG’s points difference in the table on the right tells its own story of how dominant the Berks team has been in this division.

Brighton kicked off their Champs campaign in East London in February against Southend’s Seaside Sirens and took a fairly comfortable win. The Sirens have lost several players to Essex newcomers Killa Hurtz (who beat the Bombshells quite emphatically in Tier 4 this month) and only fielded ten players against the Rockers in that game. Although their numbers have

risen since, Seaside do look very likely contenders for bottom place when the National South season ends in August.

The Rockers still have almost everything to play for. Whilst it’s pretty unlikely they will finish in first or last place, anywhere in between is still very achievable. Defeat to Bristol in Southend in March by the tiniest of margins – a stirring fightback saw them close a 50+ points gap to lose 223-227 – was a major blow in terms of league standing. Brighton sit out June’s event in Portsmouth (Pompey v LRR, Sirens v Bristol) and will then host their own double header here at the Dolphin on July 11th.

With all the visitors reasonably local (Rockers v Portsmouth, LRR v Windsor) this event is highly likely to sell out, so keep an eye on Rockers social media for news of online ticket sales commencing. The division reaches its crescendo on August 8th (Venue TBA) as Bristol take on Windsor, Portsmouth face Southend and the Rockers square up against sister league LRR. But will they be playing to clinch second place or fourth?

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TOP TENS

To celebrate this magazine’s tenth issue a host of Rockers stars share their own ‘Top Ten’ (on various subjects) with us...

ALL OF THE THINGS