Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
A flat-track derby doubleheader is set for this Saturday for Arch Rival Roller Derby (ARCH) and GateKeepers Roller Derby (GKRD) at Midwest Sport Hockey (510 Weidman Road, Ballwin, MO) and both games bring plenty of intrigue.
In the ARCH opener that launches at 6:30 p.m., the league’s defending local champs, the Smashinistas (2-1), tangle with the M-80s (1-2). Then in the men’s contest that follows, the defending GKRD Turf Wars kingpins, the Central West Friends (3-0), meet the Creve Coroners (2-1).
The twin bill is the final regular season event and the outcomes will determine the respective League’s trophy complexion held on April 28.
What is interesting about both of these match-ups is that the underdogs on paper each have a legitimate opportunity to claim victory.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Last month, the M-80s claimed a 201-199 victory over the Stunt Devils that was claimed in the final jam in come-from-behind fashion. Jammers Jedi Knight-N-Gale and Shoulder, CO recorded 68 and 67 points, respectively, while Bad Axe and Twig E. Smalls contributed valuable numbers.
Blocking was paced by Lumberjam, Ginger, BEECH, PLEASE!, Jenny Loggins, LuxFurious, Megabirch, Fionna Crabapple, Big Red, Maul Bunyan, Chop It Like It’s Hot, Fight Shrub, Sumack Down and Sequoia Destro-Ya. All are projected to be in the line-up this weekend.
If the M-80s claim victory on Saturday, all three ARCH local teams will finish the regular season with identical 2-2 records. The pair of teams that advance to the April 28 title game will be determined by total point differential accrued during the six-event regular season. In short, if the M-80s want to reach the trophy game held later in the month, they must win and win convincingly.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Meanwhile, the Smashinistas aim for a third victory that quashes any aforementioned narrative. Jammer Bolt Action paced the defending champs’ scoring ledger with a 115-point effort in the Smashies’ February game against the Stunts. Veteran Flash and recent add-on The Jukes on You will also have multiple rotations with the star in the upcoming tussle.
Blocking will be anchored by Vicious Van GoGo, Cloak N’ Drag-Her, Rock Slobster, Spock N’ Roll, Holliver Fist, Outlaw Josie Wheels and Birdsong.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Meanwhile in the GKRD match-up, the Creve Coroners seek a second straight victory following their 228-138 dismantling of the Raiders of Forest Park last month.
In the win, jammers Shred Astaire and Jammy Pacquiao netted top-flight results. Blocking this weekend will be anchored by Double Excel, Boney Fangers, Hulk, Nix, Specs, Beddes, Otter Nonsense and Wrecks Appeal.
The Central West Friends have jamming paced Bruno Scars, Last Rites and Yoshi with blocking fronted The Great Stromboli, Fruit Wall-Up, Cpt. Kramerica, Monster Jam, Thrillho and Quadratic Invasion.
Saturday’s event will also feature an exhibition featuring St. Louis Junior Derby.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Tickets at the door are $12 while children 10 and under get in free. Adult tickets purchased in advance online at Brown Paper Tickets are $10 while groups of six and more can get a ticket for $8. VISIT THIS LINK for online discounts.
For more information on ARCH, go to their official website.
For more information on GKRD, go to their official website.
Arch City Sports will be at Saturday’s doubleheader and will have a full recap on Sunday.
By trade, he is a six-time, regional Emmy Award-winning news videographer/editor for KTVI/KPLR-TV. By hobby, he is a writer for Arch City Media, dating back to February 2014. Emphasis is on featuring and promoting local women's sports, but will cover anything that is not reported by traditional media outlets. Also a contributor to local concert reviews.
