September 16, 2006 Bout:
The ‘Aints vs. The Hor-Nots
STATS

Big Easy Rollergirl fever intensified as news quickly spread in the early morning hours of September 16 that their debut bout was sold out. Despite fair warning to buy their tickets in advance, many BERG fans were left wanting. Two hours before the show, lines had already formed at Mardi Gras World, with fans coming from all over to get their chance to see The ‘Aints and The Hor-Nots go skate to skate.

Those who made it into the venue were not disappointed. Surrounded by festive Mardi Gras floats, Manwitch, a local, all-female rock band, entertained the masses while the crowds purchased drinks, merchandise, and got glimpses of their favorite rollergirl warming up on the track. The Big Easy Rollergirls’ mascot, Ruthie the Duck Girl, ran through the crowds tossing Hubigs pies to lucky audience members.

By 7:30, the excitement was undeniable and the audience was anxious to see New Orleans' first all-female, flat-track roller derby battle it out on the rink. Ginger Snap, a member of the Gotham Girls Roller Derby in New York, and captain of her team, Bronx Gridlock, flew in special to announce the game. Dressed in a red tank top, black mini skirt and cowboy hat, Ginger Snap expertly skated through the crowd giving play by play commentary, rules explanation and her own personal gloss on the various players. Joining Ginger was Hambone, a referee from the Gotham Girls Roller Derby who made sure to help keep all those rowdy New Orleans rollergirls in line.

The Hor-Nots, dressed in turquoise tank tops and black skirts, took the rink first. Many members in the crowd already had their favorites, with Shay-Bay holding one of the largest fan bases. The ‘Aints, dressed in white mesh jerseys, gold & black skirts, all wore the number 727 of their injured teammate, SmasHer. Loyal fans of Bruise Springsteen, Cherry Pi & Power Snatch Jr. enthusiastically held up signs and proudly displayed their personalized shirts. During the bout, MC Trachiotomy kept the crowds pumped up with his music stylings.

The first half of the bout was clearly dominated by The Hor-Nots. Captains Marquee de Squad and Ponchartrain BeAtch kept their blockers tight, foiling many of The 'Aints jammers. Wit Vicious of The Hor-Nots scored an impressive 27 points with Victoria von Doom scoring 15. Despite their best efforts, The ‘Aints struggled to get their jammers through the Hor-Nots’ fierce blockers, led by Jaws, Shay-Bay and Bessie Smithereens. Trixie la Femme was the lead scorer of The ‘Aints with 17 points, while Cherry Pi and Illegally Blonde both scored 14. By the end of the first, the Hor-Nots expert defensive strategy gave them a nineteen point lead, bringing the score 75 to 56.

During half-time, while fans purchased pizza from Slice, drinks from Republic/Magnolia Marketing and merchandise from the Big Easy Rollergirls, Manwitch shook the house again with their Тgreat taste of rock-n-roll.У

Even though the ‘Aints were trailing behind what seemed an insurmountable point spread, Captains, Power Snatch and Bruise Springsteen rallied their team together. The ‘Aints were re-energized and quickly racked up points. With two minutes to go in the last jam, Cherry Pi of the ‘Aints barreled through the Hor-Nots, scoring seven points and tying the score 123 to 123. The crowd went wild as the referees briefly conferred over what to do over this unusual situation.

A "winner take all" jam was established. Trixie la Femme of The ‘Aints and Wit Vicious of the Hor-Nots took the line. Despite a valiant attempt made by Trixie, Wit ultimately took the lead, scoring 5 points to secure The Hor-Nots victory over The ‘Aints with a final score of 128 to 123.

Wit Vicious of The Hor-Nots was lead scorer with 38 points. Cherry Pi of The ‘Aints followed with 34. Although The Hor-Nots led the penalties with a total of 79, the dubious honor of most penalties went to Cherry Pi (14) and Cheap Thrill (13) of the ‘Aints. Lil’ Innocent of The Hor-Nots wasn’t *that* innocent with 11. Watch those hands and elbows, ladies.

After The Big Easy Rollergirls breathtaking premiere bout, the fans mingled with rollergirls, using this opportunity to get pictures and autographs until everyone conveyed at the after party at the Whirling Dervish in the French Quarter. After a night of buoyant abandonment, The Big Easy Rollergirls are back on track and preparing for their October 21 bout; Rinkwraiths vs The Carries. This time folks, buy your tickets in advance!

STATS