Poster of the Day: Dockyard Derby Dames bout Saturday

By Bobble Tiki on April 1, 2013

CREATURE FROM THE REF LAGOON >>>

Bodies colliding at high speeds. Bruises, bumps, and (occasionally) broken bones.

While the above description may evoke thoughts of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Bobble Tiki is actually waxing roller derby - and specifically Dockyard Derby Dames' season 7, bout 2 Saturday at the Pierce College Health Ed Center. These tough-as-nails women (professionals, school teachers, nurses, Bobble Tiki face slappers) love nothing more than strapping up the old skates and doling out some punishment on the rink.

You might notice that the Dockyard Derby Dames look a little different than skaters did in '70s derbies - uniforms may have similarities, like team identification, skater name (which has to be completely unique and registered nationally) and short shorts, but that's about where it ends. Unlike the quads of the '70s, today's derby skates have specific wheels, bearings, plates andlubes. Also different are the pad requirements, including kneepads, elbow pads, helmets and mouth guards, and massive cleavage. The contact portion of this contact sport is fairly limited, with the majority of the contact allowable only between hips and shoulders, and never from behind or with the use of elbows. But don't let that fool you - these girls are out for contact, and as tight as the pack moves, anything can happen.

Saturday's bout will feature the losers from the season opener - The Trampires and Femme Fianna squaring off, followed by the two winners - Hellbound Homewreckers and Marauding Mollys - battling. Throughout the action on the floor, a cast of characters - from the two funny announcers, to team mascots to the arm punchers in the beer garden - add to the awesomeness.

PIERCE COLLEGE HEALTH ED CENTER, 5 P.M., $12 ADVANCE, $15 DOOR, $25 VIP, 9402 FARWEST DR., LAKEWOOD, WEBSITE

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