Page 8 - skaters connect issue 4 Feb_April_17

Tension is building. The score has swayed back and forth for the second half. Going into the last Jam the score is
the closest it has been the entire game. The white team leads by two points fighting back from their halftime deficit.
The crowd has found its voice, they cheer the Jammers and they cheer the Blockers. They are with the players on
every big block and are wearing their hearts on the sleeves. Faces are wrought with anticipation. Bandanas are
clenched in clammy hands, they have seen their skaters play with intensity deserving of a gladiatorial battle. They
cheer for the players putting their bodies on the line.

The jam is signalled to start, the skaters take to the track. The blockers form up in defensive walls. Both jammers
take their positions in concentrated silence for what will happen next. The whistle is blown and in a flurry the jam
starts. Jammers are engaging the back of the pack, each trying to find a gap. The white jammer is blocked out of
bounds and is recycled, the black Jammer is trying to get past a three person defensive bracing wall. Their
transitioning is keeping the jammer contained up against the inside line. The white Jammer has broken through
and begins to skate away from the pack, the black jammer fakes and spin turns away from the blockers and digs in
to speed up and catch the white jammer. The white jammer is a stride ahead of the black jammer. They engage
each other, leaning on each other in the corners.

The blockers have staked their defensive positions on track, readying and bracing for impact. The Jammers are
met with strong defence, they squirm and twist and turn. A rapid scene of arms and whistles and the jam is called
off. The black jammer has gained four points to the white jammer’s one point. Black team wins by one point in the
final jam. The crowd erupts. Faces of skaters beam with smiles. Handshakes and hugs of consolation are taking
place on the track and in the team bench areas. Officials are thanked and skaters thank the crowd on their skate
around of slapping hands and high-fiving family and friends.

A Champs game? A World Cup grand final?

A junior roller derby game played with intensity and devotion that rivals any game of roller derby played by adults.
The next generation of roller derby superstars is here and now. Attend a junior roller derby game and you will see
players that have skill and devotion to their sport to rival the current crop of adult superstars. They train just as
much as adults, they are motivated and determined as much as adults. The difference is they can’t drive
themselves to practice or a game and have to rely on a parent or older siblings.

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