Geelong Roller Derby

THERE is nothing like a marriage proposal to cap off the beginning of a crazy Geelong Roller Derby League season.
Damien Baillie, 25, proposed to derby freshie (a new, non-bouting player) Michelle Robb, 25, during half time of the season opener at Corio Leisure Centre yesterday.

The crowd of about 500 cheered on in approval when Robb said yes to her long time partner.

Meantime, clean play paid off for the in-form Atom Bombs who smashed their way to a win in the much-anticipated opening bout.

Devoted derby fans were promised an afternoon of gripping action and they weren’t disappointed as they watched the Atom Bombs win by 101 points against powerhouse rival The Psychotics, 240-139.

The first half-hour period was a messy affair for The Psychotics who became well-acquainted with the sin bin from early on in the term.

The Atom Bombs, however, kept their cool and kept out of trouble, focussing on redemption after failing to win a single bout last season.

They were playing for the first time without GRDL coach and Atom Bomb team-mate, the iconic Australian derby skater Betty Bamalam – who is spending the next few months spreading the derby word overseas – and were determined to do her proud in her absence.

From the first whistle the Atom Bombs took control despite the usual brilliance of veteran Psychotic jammer Nine Lives Isis and new jammer Nitro Nutter who ducked and weaved their way out of trouble consistently for the entire period.

Atom Bombs Ace of Hearts and Ruby E Raze gave Isis a run for her money, however, and did some serious damage in the first half.

By the end of the period the Atom Bombs were well in control, 130-81.

Ballarat league’s Miss Hellfire proved her worth during her secondment to the Atom Bombs, seemingly ignored as the floated to the front with ease when she took the role of jammer and hitting hard when skating as a blocker.

The second period was a torrid affair as The Psychotics sought to mend the damage inflicted during the first half.
The team isn’t used to crawling back from behind and they struggled from the outset.

Again, their desperation was highlighted with frequent trips to the sin bin, although the Atom Bombs seemed to lose focus more and also attracted far more penalties in the second half.

The Psychotics proved they were still a force to be reckoned with and kept the Atom Bombs on their toes, although there was no holding back for the girls in white and the score blew out to 240-139.

ATOM BOMBS (240)
Best jammer: Ace of Hearts
Best blockers: Ruby E Raze, Miss Hellfire, Scarlett Savage

THE PSYCHOTICS (139)
Best jammer: Nitro Nutter
Best blockers: Bezzombie, Savage Blanc, Nine Lives Isis