Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
The final games of the regular season for both Arch Rival Roller Derby (ARCH) and GateKeepers Roller Derby (GKRD) take place at their co-hosted event at Midwest Sport Hockey (570 Weidman Road, Ballwin, MO) this Saturday night.
In the women’s opener that launches at 6:30 p.m., the undefeated Smashinistas (3-0) tangle with defending ARCH League champions the Stunt Devils (2-1) while in the men’s nightcap, defending GRKD Turf Wars kingpin the Raiders of Forest Park (2-1) meet the Central West Friends (2-1).
What’s intriguing about these Saturday fracases is that both will be precursors to each respective league’s trophy games that will be held on April 22. In short, early bragging rights will claimed.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
In the women’s contest, the Smashinistas aim to finish the regular season undefeated as the squad certainly flexed their proverbial muscles in a 233-113 dismantling of the M-80s last month. In the contest, five Smashie jammers scored over 30 points apiece, paced by Harmony Killerbruise’s 56 followed by Salty’s 50. Bolt Action and Flash also provided multi-lap passes while both Smarty McFly and Cloak N’ Drag-Her, blockers by trade, added points to the tally.
Also setting up the walls this Saturday will be blockers  Shimmy Hoffa, Rumbledore, Holliver Fist, Birdsong, Rock Slobster, Wicked Witch of the Midwest and Detta.
Meanwhile the Stunt Devils return to the Midwest Sport Hockey flat-track after a month off. Jammers Bricktator, Beaver Knievel, Psychokid D’Freakout, Aggie Wartooth and Violet Opposition are ready to claim points while blockers by Shear-Ra Powers, Nox, Bruise Almighty, Fletch A Sketch, Hakuna Renata, Goldie Blocks, Pegasass, Joan of Spark, Ophelia Bottoms, Wonder Thighs, Cruella Belle-ville and Hardcore Parkour are ready to set up walls.
When these two squads faced each other in January, the Smashies recorded a 249-222 victory. Another high-scoring affair is anticipated this Saturday.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
In the men’s finale, the Raiders of Forest Park seek their third straight duke after posting a 142-120 victory over the Creve Coroners last month. Jammers ScreechAround and D. Mouthful provided the offense while blockers Debaucherous Prime, Spin Diesel, Walker Hamilton, Arty Panimal, Nate Bower, Wrecking Bill, Dr. Dredd and others opened holes.
Sporting an identical record, the Central West Friends return to the flat-track after a month off. Â The Friends, in their last contest in February, notched a 149-138 victory over the Coroners that pushed their winning percentage to the positives. In the scrap, jammer Bower Ranger scored 50 point while Last Rites netted 47. Fruit Wall-Up and HEYNONGMAN also added to the offensive ledger.
Photo Credit: Bob Dunnell
Blocking was anchored by Percy Controll, Monster Jam, Great Stromboli, Sogo, Cpt. Kramerica, Thrillhouse, Poppa Choppa and newcomer Yoshi.
A dozen points separated these two teams in their last meeting in January- a 162-150 win by the Raiders – and one can assume that the Friends will be more than happy to even the series’ ledger late Saturday night.
Tickets at the door are $10 while children 10 and under get in free.
For more information on Arch Rival Roller Derby, go to archrivalrollerderby.com.
For more information on GateKeepers Roller Derby, go to stlgatekeepers.com.
Arch City Sports will be in attendance at Saturday’s games and will bring a full report 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.
