Roller girls prepare to lock horns

Lil Miss Lucifer and Rink Bitz are ready to rumble for Rockhampton’s first roller derby bout on Saturday, November 19.

Allan Reinikka Photography

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THE claws, costumes and war paint will be out in full force next weekend as the Rocky Roller Derby girls gear up for the first game to be held in the city.

Team Captain for Black Eyed Betties Marney Kucharski, aka 'Lil Miss Lucifer', said the girls have been throwing catty slurs at each other to rev up the competition.

"We've been using 'smack talk' on each other, but it's all in good fun," Lil Miss Lucifer said.

"But the death stares we give on the court are for the game but outside of that we're all best of friends, it's a really tight-knit group."

The widespread popularity of the sport has been generated through films such as Whip It and Hell on Wheels. (See factbox).

Team captain for the Bare Knuckle Knock Outs Sabrina Toby, aka 'Rink Bitz', said those sitting in the 'suicide seats' in the front row of the YWCA Hall in Robinson St had better bring some protective gear.

"They probably should bring a cushion or something because they could end up with a girl in their lap," Rink Bitz said.

The game is being held to promote roller derby in Rockhampton. The gates will open at 5pm, with the game to start at 6pm. The teams will include players from Mackay, Gladstone and Blackwater which make up the CQ Derby.

Entry is $5, children under 12 are free. Tickets are available now through Vintage Betty and Exotic Tattoo Studio.

The theme of the night will be Rockabilly with entertainment, food and a licensed bar included.

SK8ER GIRLS

Movies that are about roller derby include:

Whip It (2009) starring Ellen Page, Alia Shawkat, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Lewis, Jimmy Fallon, Daniel Stern

Hell on Wheels (2007) starring TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls (BGGW), Nancy Haggerty, Anya Jack, Heather Burdick, April Herman, Sara Luna, Amanda Fields, Texas Rollergirls, Lane Greer, Laurie Rourke, Theresa Papas, Amy Sherman, Rachelle Moore

Unholy Rollers (1972) starring Claudia Jennings, Louis Quinn, Betty Anne Rees, Roberta Collins, Alan Vint

Kansas City Bomber (1972) starring Raquel Welch, Kevin McCarthy, Helena Kallianiotes

DERBY NAMES

Nicknames like these make a good Derby title:

Smashly Simpson

Babe Ruthless

Iron Maven

Rosa Sparks

Eva Destruction