Friday 24 September 2010

An Apology, and A Request

Firstly, an apology for neglecting the Round-Up Bout in recent months.  As some of you may know, I'm currently living in Canada, which has made keeping on top of the UKRD scene a little hard.  In addition to the physical distance, I also received some really exciting news, and it looks like my first book is about to be published (not about Roller Derby I'm afraid!)

And so ... I will be taking a little time away from the Round-Up Bout and am looking for a new editor to take over the blog and the Facebook site.

If you'd like to take over, please email me via Facebook, and hopefully we can step into a second year of the RUB with a fresh new voice of UK Roller Derby.

Thanks guys, I've had a great year here at the Round-Up Bout,

Derby Love
Jet Stepper xxx

Friday 13 August 2010

Rainy City announce November Bootcamp -

Word's out about World of Derby - a two day bootcamp, hosted by Rainy City Rollergirls.

The camp is for intermediate and advanced skaters, and will take place on the 27th and 28th November, at Castle Leisure Centre in Bury.

Tickets are in sale NOW and limited, so get to THIS LINK asap!!!

Backyard Brawl - A Round Up of Wakey Wheeled Cats first Intra-League Bout

Thanks to Linda LuMardy for this awesome round-up of the Wheeled Cats' first Intra-league bout.


THERE was a nail-biting finish in Wakey Wheeled Cats’ first intra-league roller derby bout but it was Alley Cats who triumphed 108-101 thanks to a tactical display against their Stray Cats rivals.
Skaters from the Wakefield club were joined by guest skaters from Lincolnshire Bombers Roller Girls and Liverpool Roller Birds to form two evenly-matched teams in the clash at Dewsbury Sports Centre.
It was the Alleys who took the lead from the first jam, but the Strays fought hard, almost getting back on to level terms several times in the first period and at one point clawing back 11 points in a single jam.
But strong game play from Alley jammers Wheelie, Invincibeel and Exacutie, and tactical play from pivots Bruise and Fu had the Alleys 50-36 up by the 12th jam.
The next two jams proved crucial for the Strays, with Daneurysm and Snarles keeping persistent Alley jammer Soaps at bay long enough for Stray Jewel to get lead jammer, who called off the jam before the Alleys were able to score.
Stray jammer Pandora brought the team’s points up to 56 in the next jam, just trailing to the Alleys’ 58.
However, in the final jam of the first period the Alleys were back on form as fierce blocking stopped Strays jammer Sophierce in her tracks, allowing Alley’s Soaps to take lead jammer status and make the half-time score 62-56.
Both teams picked up their game in the second half, which saw much more tactical play but more time in the penalty box as skaters fought their way to get ahead.
Lots of falls resulted in a messy first jam, with trips to the penalty box for Stray Cats Alabama, Pandora, Daneurysm, Snarles and Sophierce within the first four jams.
This allowed the Alleys to gain a 15-point advantage – the majority of which were picked up in the second jam thanks to strong tactical calls by pivot Fu and excellent blocking by Whipcrash, who kept jammer Pandora at bay.
But the tide turned and the Alleys started the seventh jam with three players in the penalty box, Wheelie, Purr Evil and Invincibeel, and Stray jammer Dia took full advantage to claw back points.
Clever tactics got the Alleys back on track in the next jam, with lead jammer Feline calling off the jam before Stray’s Pandora had the chance to score and as the game entered its final quarter Alleys led 92-78.
The tenth jam saw both teams employing tactical play and Alley jammer Exacutie found the going difficult with Stray Cats jammer, Pandora, inhabiting the box for a full minute, pivot LuMardy keeping the pace fast and stray blockers Mallory and Snarles using big hits to keep Exacutie back.
When back on the track, a determined Pandora bagged nine points for Strays, pushing her own team member to the floor to help reduce the deficit to 103-91.
The gap was closed further still in the 13th jam, blocker Mallory stopping Alley jammer Wheelie from scoring, and the game remained in the balance at 103-101 going into the penultimate jam.
However, Alleys regained the initiative thanks to Purr Evil’s haul of five points despite strong blocking from Daneurysm and LuMardy.
Despite Strays speeding-up the pack under pivot Edd Hunter in the final jam, Invincibeel fought through to gain lead jammer status, seizing the all-important ability to call off the jam, with Pandora ready to score, and thus clinch victory for her team.

Visit  www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk to watch a video of clips from the bout.

Scar Wash!


Who?  Central City Rollergirls vs Sheffield Steel Rollergirls
When?  Saturday 4th September, 12pm
Where? Cocks Moors Woods, Kings Heath, Birmingham

Happy 75th Birthday Roller Derby!

The sport is officially 75 years old ... eeek!!

Check out what Jerry Seltzer, son of Leo Seltzer, the man credited with inventing RD, has to say about the special anniversary HERE!

Let's party!!!!

Tuesday 10 August 2010

A Hard Day's Fight


Liverpool Roller Girls are set to host their first home bout !

When? November 13th, 2pm
Where?  Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool
MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

Skate Fest 2010!


If you live anywhere near the Midlands ... check out Skate Fest - 2 weeks of open-air roller entertainment, music and culture!  Skatefest launches in Birmingham on August 14th, check out www.bloomango.com for more details.

Take the Euroderby Survey ...

Check out www.euroderby.org for a survey about the development of all the European Roller Derby leagues, or just click HERE!

Introducing Hot Wheel Roller Derby


Introducing West Yorkshire's newest Roller Derby League!  Hot Wheel Roller Derby are recruiting!!

Check out their Facebook Page and their Website, for more details!

Sunday 11 July 2010

Space Jam



Leicester's Dolly Rockit Rollers have announced their first bout!
They will be hosting two bouts in one, made up of mixed teams from all over the country.

When? August 14th 2010, 12 noon - 4pm
Where? Leicester Leys Leisure Centre
More details HERE

New International Derby Roster

Check out Roller Derby Worldwide - an up-to-date list of all the leagues across the globe!

Wednesday 30 June 2010

Awesome Article on Last Month's Tournament in Aberdeen

Sorry it's taken me so long to post this link, but check out THIS AWESOME ARTICLE El Toupee tracked down in The Press & Journal :)

Junior Roller Derby Workshop

MSlap bang in the middle of the holidays, Manchester Roller Derby will take your younglins and put them through their paces with 5 x 4 hour days of skate training drills and exercises to push them above and beyond minimum skills requirements.

This is open to anyone under 18 with parental consent. 

Just £30 per skater for the whole week, the workshop is 10am-2pm daily, followed by public skate 2-4pm. All workshop skaters can stay for public skate at no extra charge.

Places are limited email mook@manchesterarcadians.com to book your spot.

When? Monday August 9th until Friday 13th August

Where? Arcadia, Levenshulme, Manchester

Wack 'Em




As if one bout a month from the Rainy City Roller Girls wasn't enough!
RCRG's 'Manchester Motley Crew' will be playing the Stuttgart Valley Roller Girlz in a jam packed, hip checking, shoulder blocking bout on Saturday 24th July.
Come on down to the Rainy's home base and watch what is sure to be a fantastic game!

2 teams
60 minutes 
and not a Vuvuzela in sight (or sound!)

Tickets:
Adult adv. £8
Concession* (students/ mature derby fans) £6
Under 10's: free

Adults on the door £10
* all concession tickets must provide proof of concession on door.

Doors open: 3pm
Bout starts: 4pm

Get your tickets from the friendly RCRG derby Girls or by 
clicking the eventbrite link:


Live Roller Derby HITS Sheffield ...

... or should I say SMASHES??!!!

Sheffield Steel Rollergirls take on Newcastle Rollergirls in their debut bout - SMASHDANCE!


When? Saturday July 24th, 3pm-7pm
Where? Ponds Forge International Sheaf Street, Sheffield

Check out This Is Roller Derby!

Introducing the Portsmouth Roller Wenches



Welcoming another new league into the UK Roller Derby fold ... great to see UKRD getting bigger and better all the time :)

Tuesday 29 June 2010

New Roller Derby in Manchester ....

Sometimes one league just isn't enough!

Manchester Roller Derby are a new league, actively recruiting in the Manchester area.

Check out their Facebook group here for more details.

Good luck girls xxx

Block Party!!!


What? LRG's Championship Bout
Who? Ultraviolent Femmes vs Suffrajets
When? Saturday July 17th, 4pm - 9.30pm

Last year's defending champion Suffra Jets will take on the plucky underdog Ultraviolent Femmes in the 2010 LRG Championship bout! Can the Suffra Jets defend their title? Will the Ultraviolents stage the upset of the season?

Want more? Of course you do. And you'll get more! To whet your appetite before the main event, the LRG's Steam Rollers will be taking on Manchester's Rainy City Rollergirls!

TICKETS ON SALE AT: http://www.londonrollergirls.com/zero/archives/929

Leeds Prepare for Intra-league bouting!

Leeds Roller Dolls will face each other next month in a super exclusive sneak preview to their first intra-league bout, which is currently scheduled for October.

A select few rollergirls and boys from around the country have been invited to the bout this weekend ...
so if you received an invite (like we did here ;) ) count yourself as very lucky!

Good luck Dolls!

Apologies ...

Before I get started posting all the latest goss from the UK Roller Derby world, firstly a quick apology for the past month of silence, I've been on a rather remote island in Honduras ... but the Round Up Bout is back, and wants to hear all your news, as ever
Thanks for all your support,

Jet Stepper xxx

Monday 17 May 2010

2 More New Leagues!

They just keep coming!!

Introducing The Imposters in the Lincoln area, and Hells Belles Roller Girls in Hertfordshire 

Good luck girlies!

Sunday 9 May 2010

Central Belter!




When? Saturday June 26th 2010, Midday - 4.30pm
Who? Glasgow Roller Girls vs Auld Reekie Roller Girls
Double Header - Maiden Grrders vs Cannon Belles, Irn Bruisers vs Twisted Thistles
Where? The ARC Sports Centre, Glasgow

Brand New Derby Footage ...

Check out Roller Derby on Film for footage from Viva Bash Vegas and Blood and Thunder, as well as a brand new Merby Madness video!

Here's a little sample of Jason's work!



ARRG Hit Edinburgh Fringe Festival!!!

Great to hear this news!!

Auld Reekie Rollergirls and London Rockin' Rollers will be appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 
The Prisoner of AskaSLAM!



When? Saturday August 7th
Where? Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh

Tickets - £7 in advance, from www.arrg.co.uk or www.edfringe.com

Highland Fling!


Roller Derby finally hits Aberdeen!

The Granite City Roller Girls proudly present the first Scottish Roller Derby Tournament featuring teams from the Auld Reekie Roller Girls (Twisted Thistles & Cannon Belles), Dundee Destroyers (Rippin Kittin's), Glasgow Roller Girls (Irn Bruisers & Maiden Grrders), and of course your host's team the Northern Fights.

It's going to be a fab weekend of derby and partying. If you've never been to Aberdeen before I can't think of a better excuse for a wee visit!

We look forward to seeing you there :)
Any queries or issues with tickets please contact us at info@highland-fling.co.uk

*Please note on the Sunday there will be road closures and restrictions around the beach area due to the BH10K.  We will forward details of these when we have them from the organisers*
Approximate running times:
Saturday 22nd May
Doors open 09:15
09:45 Irn Bruisers v Northern Fights
11:05 Twisted Thistles v Rippin Kittin's
12:25 Irn Bruisers v Cannon Belles
13:45 Twisted Thistles v Maiden Grrders
15:05 Cannon Belles v Northern Fights
16:25 Maiden Grrders v Rippin Kittin's

Sunday 23rd May
Doors open 13:15
13:45 3rd place play off
15:45 Final
*Please be advised that while there will be seating available it is first come first served and you may need to sit on the floor or stand...so we recommend bringing a cushion to sit on*

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE!



Treason Season!




When? Saturday June 5th, 4.30pm-7.30pm
Where? High Wycombe Sports Centre
Who? Royal Windsor Rollergirls vs Central City Rollergirls
PLUS MURDA

Details - 

2 great games of Roller Derby for the price of 1!

Tickets on sale soon NOW - go to http://www.windsorrollergirls.com/page3.htm

High Wycombe Sports Centre HP11 1TJ, doors 4.30, first game at 5pm.
Free entry to under 12's.
Free after party at the Firestation Arts Centre - Windsor SL4 3BL.

All tickets are collect on door.


Let the Slaying Begin!

There's yet another new league on the scene!

Show your support for the Swansea City Slayers - 

Join their FACEBOOK GROUP here, and check out their MYSPACE.


Shrewsbury Get Sorted!

Introducing Evolution Rollergirls - Shrewsbury's local Roller Derby league!

Their name is based on Shrewsbury being Charles Darwin's birthplace ... check out their awesome logo!

Good luck guys n gals!


Wednesday 5 May 2010

Sun, Sea & Slammed


Who? London Rockin' Rollers vs Leeds Roller Dolls
When?  Saturday 19th June - 1.30pm-5pm
Where?  Dewsbury Sports Centre, Longcauseway, Dewsbury

London Rockin' Rollers vs Leeds Roller Dolls for the first time!!

More details coming soon, but for now, get that date in your diary!!

Smack to the Future


When? Saturday May 22nd, 5pm-8pm
Where? Tottenham Green Leisure Centre
Who? LRG Suffra Jets vs LRG Steam Rollers

The Suffra Jets take on the Steam Rollers in the last public bout before the season championship. Will the Suffra Jets remain undefeated? Can the Steam Rollers repeat their success with another win after defeating the Ultraviolent Femmes at the season opener?

Which way will it go? Find out with us on May 22nd at Tottenham Green! This is sure to be another sell-out event so get your tickets now!

Doors 5pm, bout 6pm. Tickets £10 advance or £12 on the door, including afterparty. There'll be all the usual fun, cupcakes, an awesome charity raffle, audience races at half time and of course the best roller derby action you'll see this side of the Atlantic!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! http://www.londonrollergirls.com

Wednesday 21 April 2010

Introducing ....


Welcome to UK Roller Derby and welcome to the Round-Up Bout girls :)

With leagues springing up all over Great Britain, I'd personally love to see news of a league in Reading - my home town! (and before you ask, the reason I'm not starting it up, is because I live in Canada!)
Hugs and shoves,
Jet Stepper xxx

Monster MAYhem


Latest news from Wakey Wheeled Cats ....

Did you love watching Pieces Of Hate in Manchester? Fancy some more of that roller derby action?

Two of our skaters - Linda LuMardy (Team White) and Snarles Bronson (Team Black), will be popping their proverbial bout cherry on the 15th May! In addition, Fu-Quinn Hell will be assisting line manager for Team Black!

WWC *may* put on a coach to this event- to be confirmed.


Presented by Lincolnshire Bombers Roller Girls.

It's almost Summer....and on Saturday 15th May the Lincolnshire Bombers Roller Girls will turn Summer on it's head, or chop it off!... as they present Monster MAYhem!...

....LBRG take on Royal Windsor Roller Girls in a gruesome double header...again featuring Team Black vs Team White in a ghoulish re-match!!...

...vintage, old school monster vibe, with 2 full length roller derby matches!...stalls, food, raffle and a creepy and fun kids area, a Monster MAYpole...and other delights!...

Tickets available NOW!!! only £7 and under 10's free! buy direct via paypal from our website -

www.lincolnshire-bombers.com

When? May 15th 1pm-5.30pm
Who? LBRG vs RWRG
Where? George Stephenson Pavillion, Newark Showground, Lincoln

CLICK HERE for Facebook Event

Upcoming Bout Dates

Thanks to El Toupee who's been compiling a calendar of the year's roller derby dates - HERE!!

Here are some of the closest dates ...

April 24th - Viva Bash Vegas (LRD vs. BBD, Leeds)

April 24th - Greased Frightenin' (RWRG vs. RTRB, High Wycombe)

May 2nd - Blood & Thunder All-Star Bout + Merby (Cocks Moor, Birmingham)

May 15th - Monster MAYhem! (LBRG vs. RWRG, Lincoln)

May 15th - Malice in Derbyland (LRR vs. RCRG, Bethnal Green, London)

May 22/23 - Highland Fling! (Scottish tournament, Aberdeen)

May 22 - Smack to the Future (LRG Intra-League, Tottenham, London: Suffra-Jets vs. Steam Rollers).

June 5th - RWRG vs. CCR (venue TBC).

June 19th - LRD vs. LRR (Leeds, venue TBC).

June 19th- Clash of the Gladiskaters (Bedford, venue TBC: Mixed Teams)

Monday 19 April 2010

Watch LRG on Blue Peter!




If you missed out on seeing London Roller Girls earning themselves some Blue Peter badges, check out the footage HERE!!
Awesome coverage girlies, am very jealous ;)
Jet Stepper xxx

More New Leagues!!!

Introducing ....

Cornwall Roller Derby
Tiger Bay Brawlers (Cardiff)
Essex Executioners

and the new Wales Roller Derby League - The Welsh Dragons

Join their Facebook groups and show your support!
Good luck girlies

Derby love xxx

Milton Keynes Derby Appeal!

Calling all Milton Keynes and Northampton readers .... Charlotte Roberts is setting up a brand new league!

If you'd like to get involved, contact her HERE or see the Facebook Group.

Northern England Merby Gets a New Name

Thanks to all of you who helped suggest new names for 'GUN - It's Grim Up North' -
the northern boys have become 'N.E.R.D' instead - Northern England Roller Derby

Good luck guys!

Sunday 11 April 2010

LRR vs RCRG


What? Name to Be Confirmed
Who? LRR vs RCRG
Where? York Hall, London
When? May 15th 2010, 4pm - 7.30pm

ARRG's Twisted Thistles go Deutsch!!


When? Saturday 19th June, 7pm-9pm
Where? Sport Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany

The Auld Reekie Roller Girls Twisted Thistles, take a trip across the channel and through the perilous French countryside through to Germany to meet the fantastic Stuttgart Valley Roller Girlz on track for the first time ever!

Although both teams were present at Roll Britannia in London last summer, the way the drawings and results went meant that sadly they never got to meet on track. The horror!!

Come and support ARRG in their derby adventures on Saturday 19th June in Stuttgart, Germany. What better excuse do you need to have a weekend in Germany?! Just think of all that skating, German beer and brattwurst :) Mmmmmm, delicious protein!

Doors open at 7pm, bout starts at 7:30pm. Ticket information will follow as soon as we receive it. In the meantime, check out both teams websites!

http://www.arrg.co.uk
http://www.rollergirlz.de/en/


See you in Europe!
(gulp!)

FYI stuff...

Airlines flying to Stuttgart:
http://www.flybe.com/
http://www.klm.com/
http://www.britishairways.com/

Accommodation:
http://www.alex30-hostel.com/
 This is where ARRG are staying!
http://www.inter-hostel.com/

Venue website:
http://www.sportstuttgart.de/cms/iwebs/default.aspx

Roller Derby Player Trading Cards!!

... Coming soon - keep an eye out at www.oneworldrollerderby.com

Land of Skates & Derby


When? Sunday 25th April 11am - 3pm
Where? Moss Side Leisure Centre, Manchester

Calling all Roller Girls and Refs, Come and celebrate St George’s day with Rainy City Roller Girls!
We are having a mixed scrimmage with a St George’s day picnic included for the price of £10! The day will be filled with 4 hours of ROLLER DERBY! Expect fun drills, party games and of course SCRIMAGGING. We will stop for lunch which will be a English food themed picnic provided by RCRG, cheese and pickle sandwiches, sausage rolls and bake well tarts… yum yum!!! .
All leagues are welcome as long as skaters have passed min skills and you will need to bring a white and a black top. This is an excellent opportunity to train with different girls and test out your derby skills! Leeds are playing Birmingham Blitz the day before so why not make it a derbytastic weekend!! Refs, you are more than welcome to come Ref on the day!!
We have a limited amount of places available so we will have tickets for sale as of next week, please check back for exact date & time of the ticket sale. A priority message will be sent to all attending guests on the Facebook event page about the tickets!

Saturday 27 March 2010

Watch European Roller Derby LIVE!!

Stuttgart Valley Rollergirls will take on Berlin Bombshells live on Justin.TV tonight!

Tune in HERE at 8pm Central European Time (7pm in the UK)

Watch Whip It for FREE!!! .....

..... at the following cinemas -

http://www.freecinema.co.uk/

Help TVRD!!

Please click on this link (ideally once a day!) and give Australia's Townsville Roller Derby your vote - 




If they win they can get funds for uniform and merchandise.

Cheers everyone, Derby Love xxx

Derby hits Wales!!!

Introducing Wales's first roller derby league! 

Welcome girls :) 

MMR's Marathon Double-Whammy



Here at the Round-Up Bout we tend not to advertise fundraisers as you guys run so many of them!  However, here's one we thought deserves a special mention -

On April 25th the girls from Middlesbrough Milk Rollers will be relay skating not one, but TWO marathons!

For more details about the event, or to pledge sponsorship, visit the event's FACEBOOK page!

The Blood and Thunder ALL STAR Bout!



When? Sunday May 2nd, 3.30pm - 6.30pm
Where? Cocks Moors Woods, Birmingham

Central City Rollergirls are proud to present... The BLOOD and THUNDER all star BOUT & Mens Derby extravaganza!

Sunday May 2nd...you have no work tomorrow as its a bank holiday so you have no excuse to not come watch TWO games! and come to our after party as well!

If you didn't know, MAY 1.2.3 sees Blood and Thunder the renound Derby trainign camp coming to Birmingham and the Sunday afternoon see's a full bout taking place consisting of campers & coaches pitted against each other in full on derby action...but thats not all..you also get the horror, the spectacle, the full on penalty & explusion fest that is MENS DERBY!
as the UK ref's take on each other, with QUADZILLA himself straight out of the USA scattering them like a house of cards!

ONLY £6 entry for two bouts and entry to the after party in Birmingham city centre....awesome value!


So get your tickets now from...

http://s2.webstarts.com/centralcityrollergirls/index.html

or off any CCR rollergirl!

Tuesday 23 March 2010

TX Hustlers Escape London With 84-63 Win

Romsey Town Roller Billies' Mollie Cosh's awesome write-up of Fistful of Rollers - TXRD vs LRG - care of DNN, cheers guys.


It’s been a big 12 months in the life of UK derby: our first European tournament, a swath of new leagues and new recruits, growing recognition for the sport, and blood, sweat and tears for the hundreds of women and men working to make it happen. So when London Rollergirls announced that the Texas Rollergirls, originators of roller derby itself, were coming over to put on a bootcamp and play their travel team, London Brawling, it felt like UK derby was reaching a new level.
Formed in 2006, LRG have spent the last four years inspiring, generously assisting, and ably dominating leagues across the UK. They’ve set the bar for the sport in Europe, easily defeating their closest European rivals by margins of two and three hundred points, so whilst the rest of us have been playing catch up with the LRG, we wanted to know whether they would still be playing catch up with the rest of the world. Recently accepted as the first European WTFDA apprentice league and currently preparing for a three game tour of the US East coast in April, London Brawling were ready to go calling to some more faraway towns, but were they finally going to get their asses kicked? This was the game with the answers.
The Texas Rollergirls, formed in 2003 and currently sitting in third spot in the DNN power rankings, looked ready to put their mark on the game. If there were spandex rankings in derby, and there should be, they would surely win prizes. The Hustlers went straight to business with a power lineup in the first jam, but Acute Angel was swiftly sent off for a track cut, giving London’s Sky Rockit a surprise 10 point power jam and putting the Texans on the back foot. But it wasn’t long before Molotov M Pale took 10 points and equalized. As the Hustlers took a single point to lead, only to have Brawling take one back to re-equalise, a pattern began to emerge: both teams working their defense, delivering split-second call offs, and waiting. This was a game of very few, but very crucial, opportunities – and plenty of surprises.
Neither side could hang onto the lead for long: when Stefanie Mainey, jamming for Brawling, was sent to the box, Molotov seized her moment to snag a 10 point lead for the Hustlers, only to have Mainey storm out in the next jam to juke her way to another 10, evening the score again at 21-21. Both sides inched forward, tussling for a few points, right up until the final jam of the period when Molotov took a trip to the box and opened up another power jam for London. Sky Rockit hopped straight through the pack on the inside line to take lead, and the Brawling defense trapped Curvette to haul the pack back and force the Hustlers’ remaining blockers to overstretch. Sky sucked up an audacious minor track cut and cruised out of the jam 10 points up, bringing the half time score to 39-30 for London.


 Both teams brought a strong defense to the second period. Texas dominated the front of the pack, with Babe Ruthless frequently forming a relentless one woman wall of doom for London’s jammers. Another power jam saw them regain the lead by one point, only to have London grab it back again, and two nail biting jams later the box was getting busy and points were tied at 55-55. Then at 57-57. Then at 61-61. Ten minutes on the clock, The Final Countdown on the PA, and dancing on the jam line: this was the greatest game of roller derby we’d seen in our lives.
The power ballads seemed to refuel the Texans, and they launched into the home straight determined to break the stalemate. Bloody Mary motored off the jam line, leaving Belle Starr to sweep in and take out Kamikaze Kitten. Mary breezed through the London defense to put the Hustlers into the lead by 4. Forced to play catch up, Brawling found themselves digging deep as their jammers’ minors caught up with them. When the Hustlers got another power jam, the London pack managed to outsprint Bloody Mary, but when Axis of Evon was sent off, Texas lost no time corralling a gazelle, allowing Acute Angel to add a further 3 points to their lead and leaving London with their jammer in the box at the start of the final play. Not content with a mere 6 point lead, the Hustlers pulled out a truly monstrous 15 point final jam and sealed the score at a decisive 84-63.

London Rollergirls US tour

vs Philly – April 10th
vs Connecticut – April 17th
vs Providence – April 18th
Verdict? Outstanding spandex. And a totally riveting game with standard setting play from both sides. UK audiences simply haven’t seen a game as fast, close, and tactically demanding - and we’ve never had the pleasure of seeing LRG as thoroughly challenged.
I caught up some Texans to get their thoughts on the game. Molotov said "It would've been really foolish for us to come here expecting to dominate.. as a team, we went into it like we'd go into one of our home games, not knowing how it would go. It was a rough game.. they had obviously studied our Nationals footage! But at the end of a week of traveling and training ... going into the game with all those crazy emotions, it was awesome."
“I was really surprised,” said Babe Ruthless, “not that they were good, but that they were really good ... every trick we had they had it too.”
And how did London Brawling respond to their first defeat? “It was so, so awesome!” said Grievous Bodily Charm*. And how are they feeling about playing more US teams? "I was worried the tour would be intimidating” said Sky, “but now I feel like it will be really fun.” Team captain Kamikaze Kitten was typically focused: "I've never been so exhausted after fighting my way out of the pack,” she said “I’m determined to work harder.”
"I was so proud of everyone,” said Molotov. “All I could think was: congratulations.. I think they [LRG] are going to get a lot more teams wanting to play them." So not just an outstanding game to watch, but a validating experience for London. "It feels like we've always been chasing America,” said May BTwisted, “and now we're not just the little sisters anymore."
Roll on the US tour! We’ll be watching it on the boutcasts.

MVP for Hustlers - Belle Star
MVP for London - Stefanie Mainey

Mollie Cosh, Romsey Town Roller Billies

Skai-tees!!

The Skaiti - Skate for Haiti - tee-shirts will only be available for another 5 days - go to www.actionforce.eu/skaitee to order yours NOW!

Monday 22 March 2010

Fistful of Rollers Video Up!!

Check out the 2010 season section of Roller Derby on Film for footage of A Fistful of Rollers, and congratulations to all who took part, by all accounts it was one of the best Derby days of the year!

Sunday 21 March 2010

Happy 6 Month Birthday The Round-Up Bout!



The Round-Up Bout will be 6 months 'young' this week, and here at the blog we just wanted to thank you all for making it THE official UK Roller Derby blog!  We've come a long way in a few short months, and things can only get bigger and better, so please keep your news and links coming in - as ever we would like ...
* details of up and coming bouts
* round-ups of bouts, ideally as soon after they happen as possible
* links to photos and videos of bouts
* any random Roller Derby-based links that you think the UKRD community might appreciate
* news of any major charitable events your league takes place in
* general news from your league
* links to media coverage your league receives

Shoves and Pushes,
Jet Stepper and the Jetspuns
xxx

Yet Another New League!

Is it me, or is a new UK Roller Derby League popping up every week these days?!  Here at The Round-Up Bout we are definitely not complaining ... just as long as you keep on sending us all your news and views!

Anyone in the Bristol Area, check out Bristol Roller Derby - the new league will be having an open night on March 30th for anyone interested.  Check out the League's website for more details HERE! and show them your support :)



Derby Love,
Jet Stepper xx

Introducing the Seaside Siren Roller Girls

Southend does Roller Derby too ... and it comes in the form of the Seaside Siren Roller Girls ...




The Seaside Siren Roller Girls are based in sunny Southend-on-Sea, Essex. We like long skates down the seafront, 99 Flakes, and cheap beer… LOTS of cheap beer!

We’ve been skating as SSRG since November 2009, but the league’s co-founders have been skating and learning derby long before then. We’re actively recruiting at the moment and are consistently building in numbers. Unsurprisingly, as soon as anyone hears about our sport they want in, and to be fair, Essex girls were clearly made for derby!

We have a wide range of skating abilities on the league, although ALL our girls are getting more awesome with every practice. We hope to be up to bouting level before long, although it’s important for us to also take it slow and steady and get REALLY good before we make our public debut. We want to come out hot!

Our 5 year plan is pretty simple; we’re going to be WFTDA certified league and try to take over the world! Check out our website - www.seasidesirenrollergirls.com - to learn more about us or get in contact.

All the UK derby leagues have been mega encouraging of us and have invited us into the derby community with open arms, so we’d just like to thank all of you for that. We love you all and can’t wait to knock you down on the track!

-       General Leigh x
SSRG Co-Founder

Friday 19 March 2010

Uncivil War Footage

Check out Facebook for footage from LRR's first intraleague bout - Voodoo Skull Krushers vs The Neander Dolls - LINK HERE

And then head to Flickr to see David Webb's photos of the bout!

If you haven't seen it already, CLICK HERE  for Kit's awesome round-up of the bout!

What's going on up in Glasgow?

An update from up North -

This weekend the Irn Bruisers will be travelling down to London to play against LRG's Brawl Saint ahead of the long awaited LRG vs Texas game, live on the Derby News Network.

The following weekend Glasgow Roller Girls have a home game - Violence of the Slams - a double-header vs Central City Rollergirls - TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE!


If your league would like an update on the blog, just email Jet Stepper details over Facebook, or to the Hotmail address.

MMR Derby Art Exhibition

Calling all leagues! Middlesbrough Milk Rollers need your bout posters!  The MMR girls are putting together a collection of bout artwork for an exhibition project.  If you have any spare posters, please contact MMR or bring them to LRG vs Texas at the weekend.  They can be returned.

Wednesday 17 March 2010

NRG on BBC Look North

Check out the footage of the Newcastle Roller Girls on BBC Look North HERE!
Great coverage girls!

Tuesday 16 March 2010

Help LA Derby Dolls NOW!!!

Please help our Derby sisters in the USA by taking less than a minute to vote online for Pepsi to spend $25,000 converting their warehouse into the ultimate roller derby space.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS!

Pieces of Hate!


Who?  Jolly Dodgers (RCRG + Liverpool Roller Birds) vs 
Blackbeard's Bruisers (RCRG + Wakey Wheeled Cats)
When? Saturday 17th April 3pm - 5.30 pm
Where? Castle Leisure Centre, Bury BL9 0EZ

The Rainy City Roller Girls are out for blood on the 17th of April at the Castle Leisure Centre Bury. Ever since the last bottle of Old Sailor Jerry vanished in mysterious circumstances it was only going to be a matter of time before the factions decided to do battle.

The Jolly Dodgers captained by R.E.D will take on Blackbeard’s Bruisers lead by Cat Outta Hell in a pitched battle to finally answer the question “where has all the rum gone?”.

As of last night the stakes have been raised, The Dodgers roped in some Liverpool Roller Birds to join the fray, the Bruisers of course responded with “ha! We see your Roller Birds and Raise you two Wakey WheeledCats” So naturally both teams have two Birds and two Cats…

Many of the girls involved will be bouting for the first time so grab your pom poms and support your team.

Help G.U.N. Find a New Name!

The Men's Northern Roller Derby League 'G.U.N. - it's Grim Up North' have decided they need a new name with a more roller derby-esque theme, and they need your help!

Suggestions so far include Northern Scars, and NERD - Northern England Roller Derby

Please submit your thoughts and suggestions to the boys, and you might get your chance to christen a league!

Message suggestions to Crash Matt Dalton via Facebook 


Cheers everyone

Blitz Dames on Radio WM This Afternoon!!

Tune into the Jim and George Show on BBC Radio WM - 95.6 FM or online HERE between 3 and 4pm this afternoon to catch the Blitz Dames in action!

Sunday 14 March 2010

Awesome Stop Motion Video

Check this out!  It's a stop motion film made at Love Smack - Lincolnshire Bombers vs Central City Rollergirls - made by the guys at Roller Derby on Film.  



Looking forward to see many more vids guys!

Save The Date ....

Who? Auld Reekie Cannon Belles vs Newcastle Roller Girls & Middlesbrough Milk Rollers
and Auld Reekie's Twisted Thistles vs Lincolnshire Bombers
When? Sunday April 11th
Where? Meadowbank Sports Centre, Edinburgh

What?  Still to be named
Who? Royal Windsor Rollergirls vs Romsey Town Rollerbillies
When? Saturday April 24th
Where? High Wycombe Sports Centre

What? Still to be named
Who?  Leeds Roller Dolls vs Birmingham Blitz Dames
When? Saturday April 24th
Where? Leeds - venue TBC

LRR's First Intraleague Bout

Apologies for the late posting ...
Uncivil War -
NeanderDolls vs Voodoo Skull Krushers


It was fierce, it was hard fought, and it was close, but the Voodoo Skull Krushers held on to the lead to secure the inaugural victory in the first London Rockin' Rollers intraleague season.

Both teams put on a great show for the crowd. The NeanderDolls skated out to Wild Thing, wearing leopard print outfits and brandishing clubs and bones. The Voodoo Skull Krushers, resplendent in green and purple, carried shrunken heads and talismanic poles while Voodoo People played in the background.

On the track there was no let up. Both teams played similar tactics - racing to take the front and form a wall to prevent the opposition jammer getting through. The hits were hard, there were penalties apiece and the pace was hectic. At half time the VSKs had a 17 point lead, at 51:34, but it didn't last long. The NeanderDolls fought back to go into the lead early in the second half, but could not stop the might of the Voodoos. The game finished 98:95 in the Voodoo's favour, but it might so easily have gone the other way.

Kit, LRR

Saturday 27 February 2010

Introducing Some New Leagues!

UK Roller Derby is growing more and more quickly ... introducing the following brand new leagues - 



Best of luck starting up girls
xxx

Vote for Rigolo!

Please help Royal Windsor Rollergirls' Head Coach Rollin Stoner's band get their track 'Yo Ho' remixed by Bonobo.  Simply click on THIS LINK and leave your email address - the band needs over 800 votes in order to make the top 10 and be in with a chance.

Thanks everyone.

iPetition - Save the Dundee Destroyers

Derby girls and boys, please use your power and your voices, and sign the iPetition to Save the Dundee Destroyers - the girls recently lost their training venue, and without somewhere to train, it's jeopardizing their future as a league.

Click HERE and take a few minutes to get your voice heard!

URGENT!!! Angels with Dirty Laces

Anyone planning on attending Angels with Dirty Laces -

Just a quick note - doors open at 12.45 and the first bout - The Merby - starts at 1.15pm NOT 2pm as advertised - make sure you get there early to see all the fun :)

Saturday 20 February 2010

Roller Derby Volunteers Survey

Any of you who volunteer with a league in any capacity - including refs and officials - , please take a little time to fill out this online survey by Ruth of All Evil of Maine Roller Derby.

Cheers!

Friday 19 February 2010

Skaiti - 24 hr skate for Haiti

Check out Skaiti - a twenty-four hour fundraising event for the victims of the Haiti earthquakes.

When? Saturday April 10th at noon
Where? Dunsfold Park Aerodrome, Surrey - the famous Top Gear test track
Who? Anyone who skates - rollerskaters, inliners, longboarders and skateboarders

The aim is to raise as much money as possible to help the disaster relief in Haiti, whilst skating around the clock.  All money raised will go to the charity Shelterbox, and it doesn't matter if you can't make all twenty-four hours of the event.

Camping is available on the site, and the runway lights will be switched on at night, so don't worry about skating in the dark!
All you have to do to take part, is raise your sponsorship, and turn up on the day!  Please email the organisers at skaiti24@yahoo.co.uk to let them know that you'll be turning up.

If you'd rather raise your money online, it can be paid into JustGiving HERE

Minimum sponsorship is £20 per person, but everyone who raises over £50 will be entered into a prize draw, so please make sure your sponsors who go to JustGiving to donate write YOUR NAME against the donation.

Please spread the word, there's space on the track for 250 skaters.

Wednesday 17 February 2010

Skater / Derby Widow Needed for an article for FiveonFive




Danny 'Jay Pegg' Bourne of FiveonFive magazine needs a UK widow to write 100 words about being coerced into using their skills for a derby league - the more non-obvious the better - or a UK skater to write about how they have official 'non-derby' days to keep their widow happy.  If either of these applies to you, either reply to him over Facebook or go to the I LOVE DERBY GIRLS Facebook group and reply to his recent post.

Thanks!

Tuesday 16 February 2010

Love Smack Round-Up!


Photo by David James 'Spida' Coxsell @ In-Depth Photos

Love Smack - 13th February 2010
Lincolnshire Bombers Roller Girls vs Central City Rollergirls
Team White vs Team Black

The day kicked off with the Team Black Vs Team White bout. The teams were made up of skaters from around the UK, some of whom had never taken part in a closed bout before. Despite the unfamiliarity of the teams and some inexperience, the team both played their knee-high socks off. All the way through the scores were close, the biggest point difference of the entire bout being just under 30 points, and neither team wanted to give in. Most of these ladies may not have actually played for their own teams yet in an open bout but judging by the way they played they definitely want to, soon! Final Score was 145-155 to Team Black.

The main bout of the day, LBRG vs CCR, kicked off a shortly afterwards. CCR were the more experienced team and coming in still riding the glory from their victory against Leeds two weeks beforehand, there were no doubt who the favourites were.  After all this was only LBRG’s second match. CCR lived up to the expectations and took the win but LBRG made them fight for it.

CCR took the lead very early on but LBRG's score crept up right behind them. The second half was just as exciting, with LBRG getting into the game even more and at one point stopping the CCR jammers from scoring for 4 jams. Both teams showed high levels of skill and teamwork and neither came off the track disappointed by their performance. Final Score 79-130 to CCR.

LBRG would like to say a big thanks to CCR, all the skaters for Black vs White, the referees, the photographers and everyone who came to watch.

Synyster
LBRG    

Monday 15 February 2010

Roller Birds need your Tokens!



Calling anyone in the Liverpool area - the Liverpool Roller Birds have made it onto the Liverpool Echo's WISH campaign list, and are therefore competing for a share of £50,000.

The more tokens they collect from the newspaper, the more money they get - so please collect the tokens everyday, and post them to -
Liverpool Roller Birds, Garston Urban Village Hall, 70 Banks Road, Garston, L19 8HZ

Thanks everyone!

Sunday 14 February 2010

Love Smack Pics Up!


David James Coxsell, roller derby photographer extraordinaire, has been at it again, and taken some awesome snaps at Love Smack this weekend - Lincolnshire Bombers vs Central City Rollergirls.

TWITTER!!!


Remember to follow all the latest news on the Round-Up Bout by signing up to our Twitter page and if you're not already a R-UB Facebook friend, link up HERE! 

Blitz Dames on Eggheads!




Only two days left to see how Birmingham Blitz Dames got on on BBC's Eggheads last year - check out BBC iPlayer HERE!

The Violence of the Slams


(Irn Bruisers vs Belles of Centrinnians, and Maiden Grrders vs Slay Belles)

When? Sunday March 27th, 12 noon - 4.30pm


Fresh off their exciting win at Leeds, Central City's Belles of Centrinnians head up North to Glasgow, bringing their second team, the Slay Belles along for the ride - This is the first time Glasgow Roller Girls have played CCR so it's shaping up to be a great game!

More information to follow soon about tickets, but it's a double header, so it'll be one not to miss!

Angels with Dirty Laces


Who? Central City Rollergirls (Belles of Centrinnians) vs Rainy City Roller Girls (Tender Hooligans)
When? Sunday February 28th, 1pm - 11pm
Where? Cocks Moors Leisure Centre, Birmingham

CCR are hitting the track again!! With what's been an exciting bouting season so far this year, the Belles of Centrinnians will be facing Rainy City's Tender Hooligans in Angels with Dirty Laces!!

The first time both teams have met, this will undoubtedly be another bout not to be missed!! Plus a warm up event with mens roller derby!!

LRGlive

If you haven't seen it already, check THIS out! It's LRG's official YouTube site, and it's blockin' awesome :)
Footage includes some awesome this vid from Tattoo Freeze, nice work girls, lets get more UK Roller Derby up on YouTube!

Rockin' Rollers in the Guardian


Check out the awesome national press that London Rockin' Rollers got the other week - awesome stuff girls!

Tuesday 2 February 2010

Roller Derby The Musical??!!



Check out this little beauty that Jetspun member El Toupee just found!! Not quite sure whether the poster girl is skating or in labour, but it definitely looks like it could be an interesting new addition to the world of Roller Derby!!!

Triple Sword make the News




Apologies for the slight delay, but check out this article on Essex's Triple Sword Rollergirls in the Braintree and Witham Times.

Remember to keep plaguing the press with your news guys, you'll be surprised how keen local papers and radio stations are to hear what you're up to, and it's a great way to attract fresh meat and sponsorship.

Logo Competition!



Earlier this week we posted a note on the sad death of Dundee Destoyers' derby girl Rippin Kittin.  As a mark of respect, the team will be skating under the name 'Rippin Kittins' at the Scottish Roller Derby Tournament in Aberdeen in May, and they want you to help them by designing a logo for the team.


The winning designer will win a t-shirt with the logo on, and two tickets to watch the Kittins' bout.


The logo must include the following things - 
1) Skates
2) Cat ears/ tail
3) Helmet
4) Look like a roller derby girl
5) Rippin Kittins
6) The colour purple - see the Destroyers Home Page


Closing date is March 1st, and all entries should be sent to Dundeedestroyers@hotmail.co.uk

New Site for Old Gear!



Check this group out - it's a brand new forum on Facebook to buy and sell second-hand Roller Derby gear!

We all know how expensive the sport can be, so the page provides the perfect opportunity to trade second hand gear!

The Ultimate Boutfit!




Get your glad rags on, and get creative, because well-renowned Roller Derby photographer extraordinaire David James 'Spida' Coxsell is making a second book!

As most of you will know, Spida's awesome photo book RD:UK documented the UK roller derby scene, and this time he wants to shoot pictures of your ultimate boutfits!

Spida needs volunteers - roller girls AND refs - to style or design their own boutfits, and then head down to his studios to model them for him!

The boutfits should say everything about you.  It doesn't matter if they would be deemed unsuitable for the track, they just need to be an expression of you and your Roller Derby Ego - the ultimate fantasy outfit.

Models need to be able to travel to Birmingham on a weekday, and will have to provide their own travel costs.

For further details, check out the Facebook Group, David's website, or contact him here.

Uncivil War


It's time to welcome a brand new intraleague tournament to the UK scene, because London Rockin' Rollers have split into three home teams, in addition to their All Star travel team.

The new LRR teams are - 
NeanderDolls
Voodoo Skull Krushers 
and Goldie Lookin' Chaingang.

The first public intraleague bout, Uncivil War, will take place at the end of this month.

Who? LRR Neanderdolls vs LRR Voodoo Skull Krushers
When? Saturday 27th February, 4pm - 7.30pm
Where? York Hall, Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, London
Tickets - £10 for Adults, £5 Under 12s, FREE for Under 5s
Will be available soon

Check out the FACEBOOK EVENT for more details

All Hail The Coming of Eros!!!!


So ... the logo is only a rough draft, and the accronym looks set to change to European Rollerderby Officials' Society, but the Round-Up Bout has heard some very exciting whisperings about a new organisation for roller derby refs and officials across Europe!
In the 12 or so hours since the draft logo was posted on Facebook, it has received more cyber chatter than the TXRD bootcamp announcement!  So officials get keen!  And get in contact with Twis-ted Miister for more details.

Who is Roller Derby?



Check out the online survey that the WFTDA is running on their website this month.  They are asking fans of modern roller derby to participate in their first comprehensive online demographic survey of roller derby fans and skaters.

Help them work out what it means to be a part of modern day roller derby, and get in with a chance of winning a gift bag full of WFTDA swag!  Click on THIS LINK before February 15th to take part.