By Derby News Network, Last updated Wed Jul 28 2010 5:25pm

WFTDA Sanctioned | General Interleague | Local Bouts

Local Bouts

[Toronto Roller Derby] Gore-Gore Rollergirls 124, Chicks Ahoy! 80 -- In a highly anticipated matchup in Toronto Saturday night, the defending champion Gore-Gore Rollergirls took on their long-time rivals Chicks Ahoy! in a bout between the two remaining undefeated teams in the league. It was a hard-hitting, scrappy affair in a packed and sweaty Hangar, a bout that the Gores took control of early and maintained control of throughout, pulling into the top spot in the standings with a 124-80 victory. 

Both teams seemed hesitant at first, with neither capable of taking a clear advantage. Jammers took leads only to be reeled in before completing a scoring pass, or got caught up in back walls before being forced to call. The Gores’ Bambi finally broke the deadlock, recovering from a thundering jammer take out by Nasher the Smasher to pick up 7 points and open up a 10-0 lead five minutes in. It would be short lived though as the Chicks tight pack work was quickly rewarded with a power jam. Rebel Rock-It pivoted a strong, slow pack, while Mach Wheels danced her way to 15 points and a brief 15-11 lead. In an exciting turn of events, the Gores were immediately given a power jam of their own and Lunchbox took back the lead with a triple grand slam. The Gores would hold their lead and build it up to 74-37 at the half.

Traditionally, the Chicks were known as a hard hitting, defensive team, but they showed great preparation for this bout and a willingness to adjust to their opponents. Taking a much more strategic approach (pace control, isolation and trapping), the Chicks were able to wrestle control away from the Gores in the early going of the second half.  Over a series of jams (including another well-executed power jam) the Chicks were able to reel off 23 unanswered points to pull within 19 (91-72) midway through the half.

Not to be outdone, the Gores adjusted to their opponents as well, playing a very physical game. Power blocker Foxy Sinatra led a Gores attack that was complemented by a group of talented rookies and the veteran presence of pivots Brim Stone and Junkie Jenny. With the Gores controlling the pack, the Chicks took some untimely penalties, and another 15 point power jam by Bambi restored the Gores' cushion and set up their eventual 44 point victory. -- The Derby Nerd