OHRG 2006 Championship Recap

Battelle Hall was filled with emotion before the battle even began September 10. Fans showed up with an array of colorful signs, getups, and prepared to scream in support of their favorite Derby teams. Several derby leagues from across the region came out in fervent support of the best in the Midwest: the one the only Ohio Roller Girls.

The first bout of the night featured the brutal Blackeye Bullies and a winless but tough Sprockettes. Jammers from both teams exploded with excellent strategy and explosive speed to score some major points. The Bullies started out with four solid jams totalling 16 points. Luna Chicken and Holly Hotwheels sped through the Bullies defense to score 29 points in the first four jams and the Sprockettes took a commanding 13-point lead.

The Bullies fought back with stiff defense from the likes of Hell Camino and Wild Irish Rose, and held the Sprockettes scoreless for five jams. Living Dead Grrl lead the rebuttal, helping keep the Bullies scoreless for four jams before being ejected for too many major penalties. Toxic Spill and Barracuda, both with double-digit point totals, wore down the Sprockettes’ D in the second half. Then, the Bullies were able to tie it up with just a few jams left. However, it was not enough to overcome a determined Sprockettes, who proudly took home their first win and 3rd place in the OHRG.

As the final 86-84 score was announced for the Sprockettes’ victory, the crowd erupted with cheers. Both benches cleared and the teams piled on top of each other in an orgy of hugs. It was the single best showing of sportsmanship and respect this reporter has ever seen.

The Championship and second bout of the night showcased the undefeated Take-outs and the bodacious Band of Brawlers. The crowd was anticipating a veritable slug fest and that is exactly what they got! Overall the match was a clean one, but defense would make the difference.

The first half of this ticking time bomb proved to be one of the closest match ups OHRG has seen all season. Girlzilla and Killa Fitzgerald made it hard for the Take-outs to rack up points holding four jams to zero. Ruby Doom and Royal Pain responded by preventing more than 5 points on any single jam the first half. Pippi Ripyourstockings and Foxy Force led scoring with 15 and 13 points respectively. Brawlers’ captain Meg O’ Death led her team’s offense with 12 points. Sid Vixxxen and Gypsy Warfare were not far behind but unable to break double digits. The end of the half saw the Take-outs up 2 points 31-29.

The second half started with Foxy’s jam heard round the world, as she easily pulled in 8 points. Take-Outs captain Pippi came back after a goose egg in the second jam to rack up 9 more in the fourth. Foxy led the half in offensive production with an amazing 31 points giving her 44 total for the night. Many Brawlers got a shot in the jammer position, trying to throw off the Take-outs Defense. Meg O’ Death and Sid Vixxxen combined pulled in 31 points, from the pack-controlling Royal Pain and Dixie Heartless, in a valiant effort.

The Take-Outs held a commanding double-digit lead most of the second half. In what would be the last jam of the night after a last minute time-out, a determined Meg O’ Death stole lead jammer with absurd quickness. The Brawlers’ pack held back the formidable Foxy Force. It looked as though Meg might just snatch victory away from the jaws of defeat. After what seemed like an eternity, Foxy broke through and hurried to pull out 4 final points and preserve a double digit win. Congratulations to the Take-outs for coming away with the Envy Cup in an 86-73 jam fest.

Please keep your eyes on ohiorollergirls.com for info on the November Bout in against the fourth-ranked Minnesota Rollergirls. Also swing by team’s Myspace pages and leave them some comments and thank them for this amazing season of flat track roller derby. Even though champions were crowned this season there were no losers. Every last player brought their heart and soul to each bout and deserve our appreciation. Last but not least, thanks to the fans that made this season and our seasons to come possible.

By Nathan aka “Mr. Take-out”