On Saturday the Clotted Screamers kindly invited BRDG to Barnstaple, where we braved derby-girl infested waters in the most adorable beach-themed training drill, skated with our eyes closed and, oh yeah, had our first ever scrimmage…
After an early start, we reached the Screamers with a mixture of fear and fire in our bellies. The obvious antidote? NEW SCRIM KIT! The lovely Conway the Barbarian risked life and limb as 13 excited derby girls rushed to get their hands on The Shirts - (I may or may not have headed the charge) - but seeing everyone in yellow was a pretty magical moment.
Screamer's coach Mumbles gave us a great workout - from agility circuits (ALL the toestops!) to blind pacelines (lots of shouting, some falling, moderate panicking), Mumbles pushed us hard, and made sure everyone gave it their best.
As for the Devon Clotted Screamers - they are are officially wonderful! Not only were they the friendliest team we could have hoped to meet, they even baked us Screamers cakes with tiny milkmaids on. Tiny milkmaids! We can't wait to meet them again in Bath for more skatey, milkmaidey fun.
And finally, THE SCRIMMAGE. With no tracked scoring, every jam was to play for - there was hitting, falling, penalties, and even a few power jams. Both teams worked hard; it was great to see everyone improving and strategising, even within the short game time.
This is us, scrimmaging with the Screamers. See how badass everyone looks.
Of course, no game is complete without zebras: As well as Devon's pair, Bath's Jenna'Ral Yum Yum and Smasha Cake did a great job reffing for the first time - and skating twice as far as everyone else. A big thank you to everyone from both leagues who NSO'd (including first timers Smashing Thumpkins and Tinker Hell), Daphne Du'Warrior for being a kick-ass bench manager, and the lovely Scarlett O'Harma for the photos.
With no final score it's hard to know how we fared in our first proper scrim, but suffice to say there were some great moments from both teams. Bruises, blisters and all, I've never felt so proud to be a Bath Roller Derby Girl.
Finally, big derby love to coaches Petra Bomb and Mumbles for organising the whole thing, and giving us a reason to work our derby asses off doing what we love.
Words: Steg
Photos: Scarlett O'Harma
