The Revelstoke Derailers learned a valuable lesson in last Saturday’s roller derby bout at the Forum – don’t use an oil-based smoke machine for the pre-match ceremonies.
The Derailers bout against the Sun City Sirens was called off half-way through the second half due to unsafe conditions on the track. The Derailers were up 176-123 when the bout was called. The machine left a greasy residue across one corner of the track.
“It was awful,” said jammer Tennille ‘Kernel Panic’ Barber, who took a hard fall on her hip early in the half. “I got the biggest bruise from both teams from it. We couldn’t even stand on all four wheels.”
Before the early-end, the Derailers had slowly built up a lead over the Kelowna-based Sirens, who were re-inforced by some other Okanagan players for the bout. They showed up with 10 skaters to the Derailers’ 14.
“They’re all really, really good,” said Barber. “We’re still proud we did so well. We’re coming together as a team.”
Three rookies, dubbed ‘Fresh Meat’ played in their first bouts for the Derailers. Several players tried out for a regional all star team last week that is being formed to take part in a tournament in Vancouver on July 13-14. The team has yet to be announced.
Update: The Derailers have had to cancel their bout against a team from Chilliwack that was schedule for July 13.