It’s Robbie the ‘Pain-Deer’

Photo: Paul Sterritt

WHOOSH: the Knights of Oldham fly past Chronicle reporter Robbie Gill.

Tough introduction to fast-paced roller derby

SKATES, pads and helmet on, reporter ROBBIE GILL plunged into the maelstrom of a Knights of Oldham roller derby training session

HAVING never so much as thought about putting on a pair of roller skates, my one target as I edged on to the track was avoiding serious injury.

Predictably, I struggled to stay on my feet and looked on in a mixture of frustration and awe as the roller derby team whizzed around the track with ease.

The sport has exploded in popularity over the last six years and over 200 teams have sprung up across the country. Among them are the Knights of Oldham, who shares the Thunderdome base in King Street with sister team the Rainy City Roller Girls.

Feeling like Bambi on ice I took my first tentative steps. “If you fall, try and fall forwards,” they said.

It took all of five seconds for me to decide I knew better and watch my feet slip out from under me before falling flat on my back.

I tried again. Under the guidance of “Cleo Fracture” and “Dee-Mise” I managed to make progress as I crawled around the track.

Each player has a unique, torment-themed name. I was “Robbie the Pain-Deer”, but the only person I inflicted pain on was myself.

I was pleasantly surprised by my ability to remain upright, though I was closely acquainted with the floor by the time I sat down to watch the full-contact training drills.

Judging by the impact of the hits, I was wise to take a seat when I did.

During each competitive bout, two teams of five skaters, comprising of four blockers and one jammer, battle it out over a series of jams lasting up to two minutes.

Bouts are played over two 30-minute periods, and are regulated by seven referees. The team with the most points wins.

My performance can’t have been as bad as I’d first feared as I was labelled a natural - probably flattery - and invited back to continue learning. Well I’s certainly be keen on learning to skate, but I think full competition is some way off...

But the team is looking for new members and the upcoming bout against Middlesbrough Milk Rollers offers the perfect chance to see the sport in full flow.

The bout is on September 27 (2pm-8pm. Tickets are £8 in advance, £10 on the door, under-14s with a paying adult.

Info: www.rcrg.co.uk.