ALL-STARS FACE #6 DUKE CITY, CHIX FACE EVANSVILLE

by the Grand Poobah

Considering all the activities and festivities held in the bi-state area this past Memorial Day Weekend, if one spent a little more moolah than they had expected and need an economical action-filled night out, then the Arch Rival Roller Girls have the perfect solution this coming weekend.

This Saturday, ARRG presents a doubleheader featuring the high-impact, fully-charged action that one expects from roller derby – all for the cost of $10.

In the main event, St. Louis’ best on quads – the ARRG All-Stars – host Duke City Derby of Albuquerque, New Mexico while the St. Lunachix - ARRG’s developmental squad – face Demolition City of Evansville, Indiana in the undercard. The twin-bill of derby action begins at a special start time of 7 pm at the All-American Sports Mall (11333 Lindbergh Business Ct., St. Louis.)

The ARRG All-Stars (3-5) recently racked up a successful weekend at the inaugural Midwest Brewhaha in Franklin, WI. The squad finished the invitational with two wins, posting impressive victories over the Tampa Bay Tantrums and Burning River Derby of Cleveland, Ohio.

Perhaps the strength of schedule earlier this season for ARRG is finally starting to pay off. Tough losses earlier this season against Cincinnati, Atlanta, Milwaukee and Nashville- all Top 25 teams – showed the ladies that some modifications were needed in their bout methodology. Those dividends seemed to have paid off at the Brewhaha, and if not for a breakdown against the highly-skilled Jet City, ARRG would have completed the trifecta.

Nonetheless, one has to feel positive heading into Saturday’s match-up against Duke City – for ARRG is no longer ripe, but ready. Perennial all-star Artemischief finished the Brewhaha with over 130 points scored in three bouts, followed by Black Market Baby’s impressive tally of over 80. South City Shiner, Enya Nightmare and The Educator also posted solid numbers.

Probably more impressive was the work of the blockers – including Eli Wallop, Mayor Francis Slayer, Grave Danger, Downtown Dallis, Punches PileUp- who set the jamming schematic into place for ARRG, who scored over 380 points in three games at the Brewhaha.

The hard work is paying off – which is imperative in Saturday’s match-up against one of the top teams in the WFTDA West Region – a team that ARRG beat on the road in Albuquerque 128-113 in their last meeting in June 2009.

Duke City's Munecas Muertas

Duke City’s Munecas Muertas – Spanish for “Dead Dolls” – come into the bout with a record of 4-2, and extremely vulnerable. Duke City was blasted by Denver – currently ranked #4 nationwide in the latest Derby News Network Power Rankings – on May 15. (El Poobah Grande dice el 262-48 concurso fue muy malo!)

Yet this team is extremely dangerous – and plans to set the Gateway City “en fuego.”

Duke City veteran Muffin has been the go-to jammer this season. She is one who is not afraid to put her body on the line to get lead jammer status. This sparkplug has posted numerous 40-point outputs this season and looks to continue the trend here. Also look for offense from newbie Brutalitar and veteran Meep Meep.

The Munecas Muertas is currently ranked sixth the WFTDA West Region – an extremely competitive one at that. This could be the week that ARRG sends a message to the league – enough is enough and we’re not gonna take it anymore.

DCRD's Lillith of the Valley

The undercard on Saturday also presents plenty of drama – as the St. Lunachix (2-1) look to avenge its only franchise loss against Demolition City’s Dynamite Dolls - a 121-74 setback on March 27.

2010 has been an epic season for Demolition City – a perfect 5-0 record heading into the bout. In the March bout, Demolition City’s Godjilla scored 38 points against the St. Lunachix, followed by Lillith of the Valley’s 36 and Shelby N. Pain’s 34.

In that same contest, the St. Lunachix’s The Siege notched 26 to lead the locals, followed by Joanie Rollmoan’s 20 and Morgan Le Faetal’s 16.

This St. Lunachix team licked its wounds following the Evansville loss and came back with a solid 131-126 victory over Rockford two weeks ago.

This dedicated pack of locals look to issue payback. I expect an ARRG wildcard in the form of rookie Mighty Mighty Boston, who had an impressive bout against Cincinnati last month.

In essence this Saturday, ARRG looks to notch wins over a pair of “dolls.”

Two big bouts for only $10 – plus, as always with ARRG, children 10 and under get in free.

What more could a derby fan ask for?

We’ll see you Saturday at the All-American!

JOIN ARRG’s CAUSE FOR “RACE FOR THE CURE”

ARRG’s continues its quest in preparation for the 2010 Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure, to be held in downtown St. Louis on Saturday, June 12.

Last year, ARRG raised $2,700 – this year our goal is $3,500! As of Monday, May 31, we have reached 40% of our goal! Thanks to your support and donation, you’ll help us achieve that goal and continue our streak of successful community outreach projects in 2010.

To join our team and to make a donation, visit the ARRG team page.

And by all means – come walk with us on June 12 and show support to those who have courageously fought and continue to fight this disease!

Hells Poobah and the Grand LaBelle are bout announcers for the 2010 season of the Arch Rival Roller Girls. Check back in this section on Mondays for the latest in ARRG news, information and juxtapositions.

BIG WEEKEND INCLUDES WIN OVER NORTH CENTRAL RIVAL

by the Grand Poobah

(FRANKLIN, WI) In 2007, CNN and Money magazine ranked Franklin, Wisconsin at #90 for the “Best City to live in the United States.”

But this past weekend, Franklin was the best place to watch women’s flat-track roller derby.

The ARRG All-Stars participated in the inaugural Midwest Brewhaha, held at the Milwaukee County Sport Complex this past Saturday and Sunday.

The two-day event showcased some of the top derby squads from the Midwest as well as other leagues from across the nation.

ARRG finished the Brewhaha with a 2-1 record, which saw a little bit of everything…including an important win over a WFTDA North Central Region rival.

ARRG 115 TAMPA BAY TANTRUMS 110

On Saturday morning – in what would be arguably the most dramatic bout of the two-day tilt – ARRG managed to hold back an amazing 36-point comeback in the second half by the Tantrums and clinch victory with the final jam after the regulation clock expired.

ARRG got off to a quick start early and built up a 34-11 lead thanks to a 15-point jam by Artemischief with 16:23 left in the first half.

The Tantrums would fail to score a point during a nine-minute stretch. In the process, Black Market Baby would add four to extend ARRG’s lead to 38-11.

ARRG would keep the hectic offensive pace up in the first half’s final ten. Artemischief would add a seven-pointer and a four-pointer late.

When the zebras blew the final whistle of the first half, ARRG sported a 61-36 halftime lead.

To their credit, Tampa Bay analyzed their strategy and modified it. This resulted in both teams exchanging points evenly as the second half progressed.

Maintaining their 25-point cushion midway through the second half, ARRG – now sporting 84-59 lead – looked to deliver a crushing blow with Tantrum jammer Rojo Grande – who had just posted a lead jamming seven-point tally – skating to the penalty bench.

The enabled Black Market Baby to notch 12 points of her own and extend ARRG’s lead to 96-66. South City Shiner notched a six-pointer on the next jam to extend the lead to 36 as ARRG now sported a 102-66 lead.

And all seemed in control – or was it?

Undaunted, the Tantrums began an incredible streak of their own. Tampa Bay would go on a 34-4 rally during the bout’s next seven minutes – punctuated by Little A’s 20-point monster jam.

When the dust had settled, what had once been a 36-point lead had been now whittled down to a 106-100 ARRG edge with only four minutes left.

Both teams continued to battle down the stretch – nine points by the locals and 10 by Tampa Bay made the score 115-110 ARRG with under :30 remaining in the bout.

This meant there was time for one more jam – and the possibility of a Tantrum come-from-behind victory.

With regulation time expired, and the jam clock holding the fate of both squads – a Tampa Bay lead jam could potentially spell disaster for ARRG while conversely an ARRG lead jam would clinch victory.

During a dramatic, tension-filled battle of positioning by both teams’ set of blockers on the final jam’s onset – ARRG’s South City Shiner was able to squeeze to the front of the pack to gain lead jammer status. The co-captain immediately called off the jam to preserve the five-point margin of victory.

Unofficially for ARRG, Artemischief finished with a bout-high 42 points, while Black Market Baby scored 32. South City Shiner added 21 for the locals, who with the win snapped a four-game losing streak.

JET CITY BOMBERS 162  ARRG 108

The momentum built from the Tampa Bay win was evident early in ARRG’s bout later that day at the Brewhaha against a very powerful Bomber squad from Everett, WA.

And as advertised, the sub-main event of Day One did not disappoint.

Both teams were deadlocked in a 21-21 tie 11 minutes into the first half.

Then ARRG decided to show off its muscle – flexed by Artemischief and her supporting cast.

Thanks once again to the blockers down front – the perennial all-star would score 31 solo points for the remainder of the first half, including a 20-pointer scored in the final jam of the half.

Due in part to Artemischief’s 43 first-half points, ARRG had a 78-42 lead at the intermission in what was then the travel team’s best thirty minutes of play this season.

Which would then be proceeded by the travel team’s…..um, nevermind.

But all seemed well as the second half began. Artemischief’s jam opening score of four extended the lead to 82-42 ARRG.

And then something happened – and in this case, something horribly tragic happened.

Jet City’s Sierra Fist began what would become a bout-changing momentum shift against the locals. Fist rocketed to the front of the pack and turned on – literally – the jets.

Meanwhile, two ARRG skaters – including the team’s jammer – were simultaneously sent to the penalty bench, which resulted in a Jet power jam.

This enabled Fist to begin racking up points as if one was playing pinball at Mamacita’s on South Grand. The end result…a 29-point power jam, which whittled ARRG’s edge to 82-71.

But that was – unfortunately – only the beginning.

Jet City would score on the next six jams to continue its attack. Connie Torturous would score five, Fuzz-Kill followed with three, Missus Unshine beamed down ten, Torturous notched another four, Fist pounded down four more, and Ivana Hercha dotted the exclamation point with ten.

The scoreboard now read 108-90 Jet City – a 66-8 run for the Bombers in nine minutes.

This gave ARRG Nation a case of the sour belches – and there was no remedy in sight.

In fact, Jet City transitioned from “gotcha” to “give it you” mode. The Bombers went on to outscore ARRG 54-18 in the bout’s final fifteen minutes – and altogether 120-26 in the second half alone – to stop the locals’ winning streak at one.

Artemischief lead ARRG with unofficially 51 points. South City Shiner contributed 14 while The Educator added 10 to a team who left Day One of the Brewhaha experiencing both polar opposites of emotion.

ARRG 161 BURNING RIVER 57

The match-up most important to Gateway City’s best on quads took place Sunday afternoon, as there were WFTDA regional rankings on the line in this bout.

ARRG – ranked eighth in the North Central Region – battled Burning River of Cleveland, Ohio, the region’s tenth-ranked team.

And with post-season implications hanging in the balance, ARRG wanted to send a message to the higher powers of the WFTDA…look at what we can do!

The locals raced out to a 36-point lead in the bout’s first fifteen minutes. The jamming quartet of Shiner, Black Market Baby, Artemischief and Enya Nightmare built up a 41-5 lead for ARRG.

BMB then added an impressive 19-point power jam five minutes later to extend the lead to 60-5.

In the process, ARRG kept Burning River at bay on the scoring column, holding the Buckeyes scoreless for 22 minutes.

Artemischief continued the locals’ onslaught with 6:00 left in the first half with a 13-point jam.

At the half, ARRG posted a 76-23 lead. But as impressive as that was, ARRG Nation still felt nervous at the break. After all, this was a squad that had solid leads evaporate after two earlier Brewhaha bouts.

Déjà vu all over again? Not this time.

ARRG would get lead jammer status for the second half’s first eight jams and would go on a 47-0 scoring streak, highlighted by a BMB 18-pointer.

With a 123-23 lead eleven minutes into the second half, one might assume that ARRG would go into automatic pilot for the remainder of the bout.

Then again, we all know what happens when we assume…

ARRG continued the dominance, including Nightmare’s 14-pointer with 13:50 left that extended ARRG’s lead to 137-33.

The pink and black attack would outscore Burning River 104-34 in the second half to pick up their second win at the Brewhaha, to finish the two-day event with a record of 2-1 and to improve their overall mark to 3-5 on the season.

Unofficially, Black Market Baby led ARRG with a personal best of 49 points, followed by Enya Nightmare’s 38. Artemischief was held to “only” 32 points while South City Shiner added 24.

Complete 2010 Midwest Brewhaha results can be found at the Derby News Network RIGHT HERE.

WEEKEND NOTES FROM THE POOBAH

Without a shadow of a doubt, anyone who follows ARRG certainly got their money’s worth in Franklin, WI this weekend. Three tremendous bouts that really solidified ARRG’s placement in the derby community.

And as much as these recaps often focuses on the scoring aspects of the sport, the cavalcade of ARRG blockers were just as equally impressive this weekend. The work of Eli Wallop, Downtown Dallis, Grave Danger, Mayor Francis Slayer, Davey Blockit, Punches Pileup, Smarty McFly, Chewblocka, as well as additional help from Keligula and Morgan Le Faetal, helped ARRG post 384 points on the board this weekend. A solid effort by all.

Whether you are a skater, an official, or a non-skating official, you should be acknowledged for your hard work, dedication and professionalism this past weekend. Be proud of your efforts – you did the league proud.

For those fans in ARRG Nation who made the trek to the Badger State to support the team, thank you for your support. ARRG loves its fans and your efforts are always appreciated.

And for those in ARRG Nation who couldn’t make the trip, your encouragement to the league via text was also appreciated by all.

Acknowledgement should also go out to the host team of the Brewhaha – the Brewcity Bruisers of Milwaukee. Coordinating a first time event is never easy – but they made it look so. Hopefully, this past weekend set the foundation for a yearly event.

And as a personal note, I’d like to give a quick shout out to the bout announcers that I worked with over the weekend at the Brewhaha – Vince Hannity from Tampa Bay, Bulldog from Jet City and Kent the Politician from Burning River. All three were a delight to work with and each carried a professionalism that this “newbie” truly appreciated.

In all, a very positive weekend for ARRG. Let’s build on this in preparation for Duke City and Evansville on Saturday, June 5 at the All-American Sports Mall.

When not sampling the delicacy known as “cheese curds,” The Grand Poobah and Hells LaBelle are bout announcers for the 2010 season of the Arch Rival Roller Girls. Check back in this section on Mondays for the latest in ARRG news, information…and tummy ache remedies.

BOUTS VS. THREE TOP SQUADS AT BREWHAHA ON TAP

by The Grand Poobah

One of the most important weekends in franchise history will take place this Saturday and Sunday as the ARRG All-Stars travel to the inaugural Midwest Brewhaha in Milwaukee, WI.

The ladies in pink and black will face three solid WFTDA-sanctioned squads during the two-day, 20-bout event, held at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex (6000 West Ryan Rd., Franklin, WI).

This weekend will be a true test for ARRG – currently ranked eighth in the North Central Region of the WFTDA – who enter the Brewhaha with a 1-4 record.

ARRG’s four losses have come against some high-caliber competition – BrewCity (Milwaukee), Atlanta, Cincinnati and Music City (Nashville). All four teams are currently ranked in the Top 25 nationally in the latest Derby News Network power rankings.

The Nashville result – a 115-85 loss – was especially difficult, as the locals saw a lead slip away in the second half and couldn’t recover.

But as noted several times throughout the season, the 1-4 record is misleading. And with a fully-intact line-up, ARRG comes to Milwaukee with its most imposing roster yet, which we’ll discuss later.

For now, here is how ARRG will spend its weekend in Milwaukee:

Saturday, May 22 – 11 AM – ARRG vs. Tampa Tantrums (Tampa Bay Derby Darlings)

The Tantrums (1-2) is the All-Star squad for the three-team franchise, which launched in 2005 and became WFTDA-sanctioned in 2007.

All three contests this season for TBDD took place on their home turf when they hosted the 2010 Franky Panky in April. Following losses to Dallas (131-111) and Cincinnati (141-74), the Tantrums picked up its first win of the season in a 156-60 beating over state rival Tallahassee.

Look out for jammers Sixgun Suzie and Little A for the Tantrums, who are currently ranked seventh in the South Central Region of the WFTDA.

Saturday, May 22 – 6 PM – ARRG vs. Jet City Bombers

The best on quads from Everett, Washington brings its high-octane offense to this nightcap against ARRG.

The Bombers (2-1) almost pulled off a HUGE upset over #6 Duke City at the Wild West Showdown in March – a 149-135 loss that made many derby fans impressed with the spunky squad.

This season, Jet City has posted lopsided wins over Pacific (329-80) and Slaughter County (203-146).

Fourth-year vets Connie Torturous and Nasty Nikki Nightstick are returning co-captains for the Bombers, who are currently ranked twelfth in the extremely competitive West Region of the WFTDA.

Sunday, May 23 – 1 PM – ARRG vs. Burning River All-Stars

This will be the Cleveland, Ohio-based team’s first bout of the 2010 season, so there is an air of uncertainty with this group.

Nonetheless, this North Central-rival is not afraid to lace up the skates to tackle the Gateway City’s best.

Last year, Cleve-O’s best finished the season with a 5-4 record.

Burning River starts its season ranked tenth in the North Central Region of the WFTDA.

Look out for CoCo Sparx, Finnish-Her, Stroker Ace and The Killustrator to provide the bulk-load of the offense for Burning River.

For the complete line-up of Midwest Brewhaha bouts, CLICK HERE.

It’s hard to place a bet on which ARRG skaters to watch out for this weekend – one often gets burned when making assumptions – but I have to feel good about a jamming rotation that includes The Educator, Artemischief, Black Market Baby, Enya Nightmare and South City Shiner. And if those five get handcuffed, it’s nice to know that Downtown Dallis, Keligula and Punches Pileup could be inserted at a moment’s notice.

There have also been some marked improvements up front with Eli Wallop, Grave Danger, Smarty McFly and a host of other blockers – who set the foundation for scoring.

So if one was going to place a key factor in these three match-ups, it’s going to have to be in the area of penalties – or hopefully in ARRG’s case this weekend, the lack thereof. Against Nashville, ARRG played a more disciplined bout overall, which enabled them to maintain pressure throughout. One has to believe that this strategy is imperative to a successful weekend.

A clean sweep of Brewhaha games in the span of 30 hours will put ARRG at a 4-4 record, a major accomplishment considering the tough season the locals have faced so far.

And it would sure make that PBR taste a lot better afterwards.

A travel tip from Archie:Why lookie, lookie! It’s former KMOV-TV meteorologist Lyra O’ Brien. She’s now in Milwaukee at WISN-TV. And you can click on her picture to find out the latest in Brew City weather! Archie and Lyra thinks you’re gonna like this outlook!

ST. LUNACHIX WIN SECOND STRAIGHT!

Congratulations to ARRG’s developmental squad – The St. Lunachix – who picked up their second consecutive win in a 131-126 victory over the Rockford Rage Saturday night.

The St. Lunachix, now 2-1, return to action at the All-American Sports Mall on Saturday, June 5 to face the Dymamite Dolls of Evansville, IN at 7 pm prior to the ARRG All-Star’s battle with Duke City.

ARRG’s “RACE FOR THE CURE” GOAL ALMOST AT 40%

ARRG’s continues its quest in preparation for the 2010 Komen St. Louis Race for the Cure, to be held in downtown St. Louis on Saturday, June 12.

Last year, ARRG raised $2,700 – this year our goal is $3,500! As of Monday, May 17, we have reached 37% of our goal – a 15% jump in one week! Thanks to your support and donation, you’ll help us achieve that goal and continue our streak of successful community outreach projects in 2010.

To join our team and to make a donation, visit the ARRG team page.

And by all means – come walk the 5K with us on June 12 and show support to those who have courageously fought and continue to fight this disease!

NEXT MONDAY IN THE NEWSCENTER: Find out ARRG’s outcome from the Midwest Brewhaha as The Grand Poobah takes a trek to Wisconsin to bring you a full recap.

The Grand Poobah and Hells LaBelle are bout announcers for the 2010 season of the Arch Rival Roller Girls. Check back in this section on Mondays for the latest ARRG news, information…AND CHEESE RECIPES!