Happy Valley Derby Darlin's Spring Breaks Bout Brings Rollin' Rebellion Victory

The Rollin' Rebellion's BreakHer 1/9 (Ann Rightsell, pictured left) faces a block by Sirens' team captain, Bustem Buxom 636 (Emily Socha).

Rebels and Sirens block and pursue jams. Pictured (forefront, left-right): Baby Blount 47 (Ann Marie White), Aimin' Atchya 23 (Amy Ewing), Red A. Whips 79 (Amanda Grosland), Bon-Bandida 459 (Ivonne Delgadillo), and Sirens' pivot, Bustem Buxom 636 (Emily Socha). BLACKEYESKY 34 (Sky Wabel) and Princess FILLET YA OB-1 (Tammy Webb) skate behind.

The Sirens of Steel laced up to jam against the Rollin' Rebellion in what would become a neck-to-neck competition throughout Saturday night. It was the Happy Valley Derby Darlin's Spring Breaks fete, a roller derby contest mixed with anticipation and a post-halftime leg injury sustained by Sirens of Steel's Su Su Sudio 1408. The night would end with the Rollin' Rebellion skating away with a victory, lapping in the most jams with a final score of 106-100.

Payson Sirens of Steel skater, Trudy Barrick, AKA BackwardsKate B52, commented later on the growing interest in roller derby. She noted that the the derby is unique in that it is an inviting sport to virtually anybody.

“I think that the public is surprised that they are family friendly and that it is enjoyable for everyone,” she said. “We've had extremely positive feedback” from those who have attended the events.

According to Barrick, the Happy Valley Derby Darlin's league has, in addition to providing an entertaining sport, taken great strides to incorporate fund-raising for local causes. Drawings were held throughout Saturday's event to garner funds for a fourteen-year-old local girl, Aspen Balzly, who requires scoliosis surgery. A flea market fundraiser is in the works for April 14 inside the Darlin's facility, the former Food 4 Less building at 784 East Chappel Drive in Spanish Fork.

The Darlin's holds competitions typically twice a month. The local league is made up of a designated travel team--the A team--which is pitted against teams from other leagues, along with two home teams. The Molly Morbids maintains the travel position, while the Sirens of Steel and Rollin' Rebellion are the Darlin's serve home-game purposes.

On Saturday, April 21, the Molly Morbids will take on the Moab Derby at the Spanish Fork track. For more information, see the league's website at www.happyvalleyderbydarlins.com.

BackwardsKate B52 (Trudy Barrick) warms up with fellow Sirens of Steel prior to the March 31 bout against Rollin' Rebellion.

Denali Roper, AKA Roper Her 515 (kneeling in center) poses for a photo with her three children and a family friend, all of whom cheered from the sidelines during Saturday night's roller derby. Surrounding her (clockwise from left): Rhiannon Griego, who was there for her first-ever roller derby, Shellby Roper, Victoria Roper, and Lincoln Roper.

The ladies of Sirens of Steel wait on the sidelines as paramedics assist fallen teammate, Su Su Sudio 1408 (Sylvia Mikkalsen), who suffered a leg injury during the roller derby bout's second half.

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