Shock 'n' roll

(Warning: This video contains footage from a recent roller derby match. It may not be suitable for children.)

MERCED -- From Tallahassee to D.C. to Smog City, roller derby is attempting a comeback. Smog City, of course, is the tongue-in-painted-cheek nickname for Fresno's squad of female roller skaters who traveled to Merced this past Saturday to rumble with Stockton, er, Port City's crew.

The match, which literally went to blows, was an exhibition. Fresno's girls are looking to play official games (there are teams in Bakersfield and Sacramento, as well as other cities around the state), but their league still is a fledgling one. The Smog City Roller Grrls (note the two r's) have yet to secure a local venue to hold bouts.

So, how does it all work? According to the program handed out at Merced's Roller Land rink, "each team has five members on the track at one time. There are three types of players, and they line up in the following order: one pivot in front, three blockers in the center and one jammer in the rear." The jammer, who is most likely the team's faster skater, earns points for each opposing player she passes after the initial lap.

But, do you really care about any of that? Or do you just want to see the hits, take-downs (check that, drag-downs) and fights? Judging by the attendees, who each paid a $15 cover, it didn't matter that the score turned into a blowout. The cheering was much more evident when players landed on their backside than when one team's jammer made it around the circle.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• fresno
• bee
• roller
• derby
• smog
• city
• grrls
• merced
• stockton
• port
• girl
• fight
• brawl
• skate

[ACMEANVIL]

Wow what a change from this bought to this last weekend, they really played a sporting game with 700 people watching.

[wetware23]

Smog City chickies RULE!!! ... and DAMN those apposing bitches went DOWN!

[sidneyvicious138]

it was a fun night