Margaret River roller derby competitors head to Albany for Regional Rumble with Geraldton club

Margaret River’s growing roller derby contingent will make the trek to Albany next weekend for a competition dubbed the Regional Rumble.

Margaret River derby members will field a combined team against Geraldton for the main match of the night on May 18.

Spokesperson Jacque Ashworth told the Times the Albany visit was a great opportunity for keen residents to compete against other clubs.

“The Regional Rumble is a new series created to provide opportunities for regional roller derby leagues to host and play games against each other,” she said.

“Since COVID-19, regional roller derby in Australia has struggled to maintain momentum and events like the Regional Rumble are integral to supporting regional leagues continue to grow and derby as a whole to get stronger.”

The Rumble will go down at the Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre and include a mixed-gender scrimmage.

Albany Roller Derby League president Natalie Jarvis said the event would help competitors reach the national tournament later this year.

“It’s truly exciting to see so many people lacing up their skates and diving into the world of roller derby,” she said.

The sport is also experiencing a mini boom in Margaret River and with the shire-run recreation centre now back to full capacity, new members are encouraged to join.

Ms Ashworth said roller derby training was on Tuesdays at 6.30pm; no prior experience or gear was needed.

To get involved, people can email margaretriverrollerderby@gmail.com or call 0409 821 293.

Tickets to the Regional Rumble are available at albanyrollerderby.com.au.