If the Revelstoke Derailers were looking to revenge their loss to the Penticton Pistoleras in May, they got it Saturday night — and then some.
The Derailers defeated the Pistoleras 240-79 in a game that saw Revelstoke jump out to a big lead early and never look back.
“We had a really good game,” said Derailers blocker and team captain Stephanie ‘Pownder Puff’ Ells. “We really honed our strategy. We came together as a team and used everything we’ve been working on in practice.”
Once again, large crowd packed the Revelstoke Forum to watch the bout and to enjoy the atmosphere.
On the track, the game started slow, with both teams feeling each other out for the first few jams. It was a power jam by Janice ‘Tank’ Jacob a little more than 10 minutes into the first half that blew the game open for Revelstoke. With the Pistoleras jammer (the player that scores points) sitting in penalty box, Tank flew around the track, racking up the points and turning the score from 22-14 to a 47-14 blowout.
After that, Revelstoke never looked back. At the 14 minute mark it was 68-18 and by the end of the half Revelstoke was up 123-37.
The last time the two teams met in Penticton Revelstoke let a second half lead slip away and lost 189-156. This time, there would be no letting up.
As the second half went on the Pistoleras – playing with only 10 skaters to the Derailers 14 – were visibly fatigued. A power jam by Stephanie ‘AKilla the Honey’ Noel added to Revelstoke’s lead and ten minutes into the half the score was 189-48.
The match finished with the Derailers celebrating a convincing 240-79 win.
“We’re surprised we won by so much,” said Ells. “It shows the hard work, the long hours, three practices per week – it’s tough but it paid off.”
She credited the Revelstoke jammers with strong play for the win but did acknowledge the numbers advantage made a difference.
“They brought their strongest players with them,” she said. “In any roller derby game, going with a short bench makes a difference.”
The bout was the Derailer’s last confirmed match of the year. The team is also looking for a practice space to use after the ice goes in at the arena next month.
