The Comox Valley Sports Centre was the scene of a bout on June 8, but the sport was roller derby, not boxing.
The Belles of the Brawl (Victoria) brought their southern charm up-island and were treated to some northern hospitality by the Brick House Betties (Cumberland). However, the niceties only lasted as long as the formalities: team intros, equipment checks, and the national anthem. After that, the gloves were off and the brawl began.
The teams were evenly matched throughout most of the game, as the score was often within 30 points. The Belles’ strong offence threw some powerful hits, but the Betties countered with tough defensive walls. Skaters on loan from the Rink Minx Rollergirls (Courtenay) contributed to solid lines for the Betties. The two teams traded the lead many times, giving spectators a nail-biting show. At halftime, the Belles were ahead 95-86.
Another entertaining battle took place on the track during halftime when two bikers with the Comox Valley Motorcycle Ride for Dad raced to raise funds and awareness in their fight against prostate cancer.
Early in the second half, fast footwork by the Brick House Betties’ jammers put them in the lead for most of the half. However, the team could not quite go the distance when the Belles of the Brawl put out their big hitters in the last three jams and won the bout 209-169.
“I’m pleased with how far the Betties have come this year, competing against more experienced teams,” said Brick House Betties head coach, DB. “Our skaters are able to hold their own. We spent less time in the penalty box comparatively, and our clean game really made a difference.”
There were many other weekend activities going on in the Comox Valley, but the Betties had a good turnout at the roller derby. Spectators enjoyed a hard-hitting and action-packed game.
Despite being 0-2 this season, the Brick House Betties will not throw in the towel as there are two games remaining. The team plays The Committed (Salt Spring Island) as part of a doubleheader in Powell River on June 15. In an interesting twist, three Belles of the Brawl will skate as Betties at that event.
The Brick House Betties will host their final 2013 roller derby bout at home in the Comox Valley Sports Centre (Arena 1) on July 6 against the Rink Minx Rollergirls. The hometown rivalry between both teams will make for a fun event that fans will not want to miss.
Doors open at 7 p.m. and the whistle goes at 7:30. Tickets for the family-friendly event will be available at the following locations: Comox Community Centre, Happy’s Source for Sports, Swicked Cycle, and the Waverley Hotel. Adults $7 ($10 at the door), Youth (11-18) $5, and kids free.
The Betties would like to thank their volunteers and team sponsors for their generous support: the Eagle FM 97.3, Cumberland Hotel, Addictive Sportswear, Bayview Chiropractic, Shoppers Drug Mart, Waverley Hotel, Holiday Inn, and Sure Copy Courtenay.
For more information on the team and its recruitment, please visit www.brickhousebetties.com or join them on Facebook.
– Brick House Betties