Roller derby team off to world cup

• Author: Brenda Vowden
• Published date: 24 May 2023
• Publication title: Hastings Leader, The

Members from Junior Hawke’s Bay team the Guns ‘n Roses (GnR), who won the national title last year, have been selected to join the NZ team, and include Drop Dead Fred, Atomic Blonde, Dynamite, Anarchist Skywalker, Whiskers, Kay.Os, Misty Meaner and Devils Daughter

They will be travelling to the worlds with assistant coach Tower of Terror and head NZ Junior coach Tu Meke Booty!

The New Zealand team was announced after trials in Wellington in January this year.

Team member Drop Dead Fred’s mum Amy Janes says these skaters have been skating for more than five years and their skill level is on par with adult derby skaters.

“Their confidence and knowledge of the game is just fantastic. The kids are stoked and so honoured to be chosen to be part of this hardworking, history making team.”

The team also made history when they featured on television a couple of weeks ago, after being tipped off by Christchurch based assistant coach Scary Cola, who coaches the Dead End Derby Juniors. Amy says the Hawke’s Bay team was well represented on the TV slot, with team members Misty and Devils Daughter wearing GoPro cameras attached to their gear.

“This showed how fast-paced and brutal it can be. Drop Dead Fred spoke for the team, looking forward to playing the international teams and coach Tu spoke about the massive fundraising effort the team is undertaking.”

The whole of the Bay City Rollers, the women’s league which is the umbrella team of the adults and juniors, has really got behind the juniors, Amy says.

“They’re supporting our fundraising efforts, letting the juniors join the adults training in addition to their own and helping out with the New Zealand team training held here in Hawke’s Bay.”

While training has stepped up recently, there is more hard work...