Three-way roller derby battle

Brisbane City Rollers Nasty Nancies take on Coastal Assassins Roller Derby Blood Diamonds in the Whipswich Cup.

David Nielsen

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A CROWD of a few hundred packed into the Ipswich Showgrounds to catch the thrills and spills of a three-way roller derby battle at the weekend.

Teams from Ipswich took on those from the Sunshine and Gold coasts in a packed day of competition on Sunday.

Ipswich-based Brisbane City Rollers Punk Blockers team member “Shirley Bashey” said although the sport still had an alternative image, she hoped to increase its mainstream appeal.

“It is just so much fun to play and to watch – I think fun is the main aspect of it. But of course it is also good for fitness and it is a team sport,” she said.

“There is a sub-cultural element but it is gaining a lot more recognition these days as a sport.”

Ms Bashey's team took on their Gold Coast Roller Derby rivals, the “Maids of Pain” on Sunday.

The teams have shared the spoils of victory in their previous two bouts, with the Ipswich team winning last December before the Gold Coast team won in May.

“I'm quietly confident,” Ms Bashey said before the bout.

That confidence seemed to pay off with the Punk Blockers winning 128 to 78.