Coming off the heels of one of their largest crowds at Midwest Sport Hockey three weeks ago, the back half of Arch Rival Roller Derby’s regular season hits full stride this Saturday.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
The 6:30 pm twin bill begins with a battle of unbeatens as the current ARCH defending local champs, the Smashinistas, face the explosive M-80s to see who will claim the top spot in the League standings. Then in the nightcap, Rebel Skate Alliance and the Stunt Devils aim to snare their first win of the season and keep the opportunity to compete at April’s trophy game within reach.
The four squads return to the Queeny Park facility (570 Weidman Rd., Ballwin, MO) after ARCH held their successful “Jams & Slams” event in front of 675 attendees on the first day of the month (RECAP). With the faithful local crowd that attends alongside the additional numbers from the promoted Working Women’s Survival Show Night and Arch Rival Alumni Night present, this Saturday’s event is expected to be another high-seller.
The opener finds the Smashinistas (2-0) looking to finish their regular season undefeated and claim the overall number one seed for the April 4 championship game. Their impressive 266-120 victory over the depleted Stunt Devils earlier this month pushed their win streak to four games.
Leading the charge will be jammers Frowntown, Skeevie Nicks, Skulpix and Smash Money while blockers Cloak N’ Drag-Her, Gnarley Carbsmashian, Intensive Carrot, Urgent Carrot, Nigel Smashberry, WyldeSyde, Oliver Smash, Regrets, Shady Hawkins and T-Bex help assist. The squad will also welcome newly added rookie Riot, who was added to the roster after an ARCH supplemental draft held last week.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Meanwhile the M-80s (1-0) certainly displayed firepower in their season opener, a 231-179 triumph over RSA in January. Jammer L’Oakey Doki’s triple-digit performance alongside starmates Slipknot and Camp Kwitcherbitchin was propelled by the solid work of blockers Scouts Horror, Pecan Misandry, Slam Shakusky, Crumbledore, Curl Scouts, Wood Bang, Farts & Crafts, Betty White Trash, Trampfire and Kick S’More Ass. Former ARCH All-Star Rhino, who last skated with the League in 2015, returns to don a red jersey while Kelly Loud makes a Queeny Park debut.
The buffalo-plaid-clads are looking to topple the defending champs and claim overall possession of the standings’ lead.
Saturday’s second game finds a pair of teams that crave their first victory of the season.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Rebel Skate Alliance (0-1) suffered their season-opening setback with jammer Boba Flash out of the fold. With the veteran returning Saturday alongside jamming teammates Darth Tator, Admiral Aggbar, Carth O’ Nasty and PhoeB-8, the offense should be at warp speed aided by starting blockers Obi-Wan Kenosebleed, Jabba the Butt, Zombie Plagueis, Wookie Monster, Lethal Dose, Titanium Falcon, Strawberry MILFShake, Jam-It Ginger and Holiday Special. Newcomer Ella Trick Mayhem makes her intergalactic debut.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
A must-win situation faces the Stunt Devils (0-2) Saturday. Plagued by injuries and bad luck through two games, the five-time ARCH title holders not only went into their February 1 game against the Smashies missing two jammers prior to the opening whistle but then a third was injured before halftime and never returned.
Force Choke, Slamgelina Jolie and Thrasher will be taking rotations at jammer while Skaty Perry makes a return. On paper, the Stunts may have an edge on the blocking front with veterans Sir Ian McKillin’, Rhonda Lousy, Black Dynasmite, Downtown Dallis, Rock Slobster, Tina Faceplant and Bette Davis Thighz leading the charge. At the mid-season draft, the Stunts claimed a trio of transfers: Brawlize Theron from Jacksonville (FL) Roller Derby, Red from Illinois-based Confluence Crush Roller Derby and Lauren, who last played with the St. Chux Derby Chix.
Tickets at the door are $15 while children 10 and under get in free. Save $3 on individual tickets and get group tickets for as low as $9 by visiting this link.
More about Arch Rival Roller Derby can be found at their website.
Arch City Media will be in attendance this Saturday and will have a full recap on Sunday afternoon.
