NJRD vs GSR – 10/5/19 Derby Recap

Morristown’s remaining roller derby league hosted a double header yesterday. First up was a junior bout, which I did not attend, though the final score was NJRD Juniors 198 – Philly Roller Derby Juniors 116.

The adult teams took to the track at 8 pm: NJRD (New Jersey Roller Derby) on its home rink vs GSR (Garden State Rollergirls) Brick City Bruisers. The first jam began with very firm blocking on both sides that held back both jammers. #14 Ragnorok broke out and scored 11 points for NJRD. #3684 Californikate followed up with a multipass. #18 Fancy Nasty put the first 3 points on the board for GSR, but the first few jams set a pattern that would hold through the first half. Despite GSR successes, such as a power jam by GSR #269 Katsup Pahkol, NJRD dominated the half. Blocking made a major difference. Both teams were competent and could build strong walls, but NJRD was a little better; even when its formations were broken the individual skaters were aggressive, with #1783 Queen Guillotine making some noticeably effective hits. The half ended with the score at 116-39 in favor of NJRD.

In the second half GSR jammers – notably #1732 BlackEye Betty, #926 Bossbabality, and #18 Fancy Nasty – were able to push through or bypass the (still very stiff) NJRD defenses more often. However, NJRD jammers – including #412 Brindiesel and #21 Ginger – upped their success against GSR as well, punching through or slipping past walls, with the result that NJRD expanded its lead. The penalty box was rarely empty for long, indicating redoubled efforts at defense in both teams. #21 Ginger took NJRD over the 200 mark. Bossbabality and Brindiesel both scored in the final jam as the clock ran out. Final score 227 – 82 in favor of NJRD.

MVPs:

GSR Brick City Bruisers

Blocker: #38 Diem Zee

Jammer: #269 Katsup Pahkol

NJRD
Blocker: #1783 Queen Guillotine

Jammer: 14 Ragnorok