Hats off to champs

It was a fierce affair when the Live Lighter Sin City Slam rolled into Geraldton.

“Wow, that’s a big hit,” said MC Grant Woodhams as the deep thump of bodies colliding rang through Activewest Stadium on Saturday night.

Some of the best skaters from across the State descended on Geraldton, where they mixed with locals to create two teams, The Mad Hatters and The Rocky Horrors.

While the Horrors showed plenty of fight, the Hatters were too good in the end, finishing 315-114.

Geraldton Roller Derby founder Roxanne Grant was named overall most valuable player on the night, thanks to a solid effort at the helm of the Hatters.

WA Roller Derby champion Louise “Xanadon’t” Southland was also superb in the Hatters’ win, with Grant praising her teammate’s composure.

“She’s got great poise and a good understanding of the game — she was never rattled,” Grant said.

“The more you skate the better you get at reading the play and making the right decisions.

“Hopefully we’ll continue to get better at reading the game because we don’t get many chances to play.”

Geraldton’s Sarah “Sassquatch” Tallier was a fortress for the Hatters, riding the relentless bumps thrown down by the Horrors’ jammers.

Tallier’s performance earned her an MVP blocker nod, while fellow Geraldton Roller Derby firebrand Trudy “Kiwi Carnage” Gilmore was named best blocker for the Horrors.

With five officials on the track, the penalty count was high and three skaters were fouled out of the game.

The final jam saw the entire Geraldton contingent from the Horrors take to the track to face the red-hot Hatters.

In a thrilling finale, the local ladies were able to hold their own, despite relentless speed and pressure from the Hatters.

Speaking after the Slam, Grant said she was excited about the future of roller derby in Geraldton.

“I think we did a great job of showing we can put on an awesome gig and I want to thank everyone who helped make it such a good night,” she said.