Rainy City girls head for the US

Photo: Lee Anthony

WHEELIE good: Rainy City Roller Girls are off the the USA.

AN all-star team from Rainy City Roller Girls flies out to America tomorrow to take on the best of the US.

The Oldham-based roller derby squad will face a host of great sides during the 10-day trip to the home of the sport.

During a tour of the East Coast, the team will visit New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont.

The girls will play the B team from the world’s top roller derby club — New York’s Gotham Girls. They will also line up against LehighValley Roller Girls, Black Rose Rollers, Dutchland Derby Rollers and Green Mountain Derby Dames.

Rainy City, based in King Street, raised £4,500 for the trip. Vice-captain Jessica Mennis said: “We’re so excited to have the opportunity to play against some great American teams, and in the country where the sport began.

“We’ve had extra training sessions on and off skates to prepare but we’re coming up against some strong teams, so we’ve had to prepare for that mentally too. The trip will be such an amazing experience.”

Rainy City is one of the top roller derby teams in the UK and Europe.

The next home bout is against Cork City Firebirds on April 25 at 5pm. It is preceded by an opener featuring new skaters at 3pm. Doors open 2pm.

@KarenDohertyOC