#derbydames

Packed into Shriners Auditorium, fans of Boston Roller Derby’s home teams gathered to watch the Golden Fez Championship. From rowdy derby fanatics to mellow newbies, the crowd cheered as the Arkham Horrors and Nutcrackers rolled onto the track excited, focused, and ready for the first bout to begin.

Four blockers, including a pivot, and a jammer for each team took their spot on the track. With the game clock set to 30 minutes and the Jam time set to 2 minutes, the whistles blew to signal the start of the first bout. The two jammers took off and started to push through the opposing pivot and blockers to start their first lap.

As the first jam comes to an end, another set of five players from each team take their spot around the starting line of the track. The first bout continues for a long, sweaty, tough thirty minutes of playing time for the Horrors and Nuts. During halftime, the teams gathered and the crowed relaxed into their seats before the start of the second bout. The quick pace of the game keeps fans focused, especially on the jammers as they push their way through players to score points. Eyes can’t help but to follow the jammers around the track as the points add up. The Nutcrackers took home third place, not by much but claimed victory over the Horrors.

Before the championship game started, the junior league of Boston Roller Derby rolled onto the track for a half hour practice while a band on a balcony played. The band was mediocre, playing covers of songs with a usual set up along with the occasional bagpipe blaring throughout the auditorium. To take a break from the auditorium and bleachers, many fans moved to the main lobby to check out the extensive amount of merchandise. The Boston Roller Derby had many trendy shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, and buttons.

Next to the well-designed merchandise there was a bake sale to satisfy the sweet tooth of the many hungry fans. The bake sale was a hit considering the food stand in the auditorium consisted of pre-made burgers, hot dogs, and soggy French fries. On the upside, next to the food stand was a classic popcorn maker and pretzel shelf. If fans needed more than just soda and water to quench their thirst, the function room of the Shriners Auditorium had a stocked bar serving alcohol during the game and for the after party.

As fans gathered in the auditorium and made their way back to their seats, the lights went low and the Wicked Pissah’s had a rolled grand entrance of spotlights, cool introductions, and their mascot skating into a beer can pyramid. Afterward, their competition, The CosmoNaughties, rolled onto the track one by one under the spotlight being introduced similarly, but in their own style.

Just like the third place game, the teams warmed up then took their places to begin the first bout. From the start, the CosmoNaughties claimed their lead. One jammer in particular, Elle L. Cool Jam, stood out as she ran up the scoreboard every time she stepped on the track. As the bout continued tension grew stronger and jams became tougher. The game heated up and many players were being sent to the penalty bench, swaying the jam in the other teams favor. The penalties ranged from being out of bound and multiplayer blocking, to elbowing and cutting the track. By the second bout the Cosmo’s were still in the lead but the Pissah’s were catching up. The jammers of both teams were dripping in sweat, calling jams off every chance they could without disadvantaging their team. As the clock showed ten minutes left, the Pissah’s stepped up the intensity and used the last of their energy. With one minute left, the last efforts were not enough. The scoreboard changed one last time with zero on the clock. Fans gathered around the track to high-five the Cosmo’s as they took their victory lap. Fans left satisfied with the outcome of the championship, and most continued into the function room for the after party. The Shiners Auditorium, though a little outdated, was a great, local spot for the Golden Fez Championship. The atmosphere fit expectations and the resources did not fall short of what was expected. With plenty of room for fans, a sufficient snack shack, a well stocked fan gear sale, and two intense games, spectators left in good spirits. With a final score of 185-164, the CosmoNaughties won the Golden Fez Championship.