THERE was a sense of euphoria and joy at the flat track at Hillcrest High School recently as the MissFits of Durban edged out the P-Town All Stars from Pretoria 115 to 112 in their coastal clash. This was the Durban derby’s first ever inter-provincial win in the roller derby arena. Northglen News caught up with local skater, Amy ‘Crash’ Bennett, who was vice-captain of the history-making team.

“We were super stoked to have won, not just because our team has been working hard all year towards this game but also because its so great for roller derby as a whole in our country for games to be played inter-provincially. For our team, it was a special night as one of our star jammers and teammates, emigrated to the UK the very next day – Nikki Fury. So it was a kind-of ‘farewell’ to her as our last game played together for a while, so a special night for us,” she said.

Bennett said the game was incredibly physical and added that the experience helps strengthen the team’s resolve and confidence.

“The P-Town All Stars are an incredibly talented team and I think we were both a bit nervous going into the game as we weren’t sure, having never played against each other, how strong they were. After the first jam I quickly realised they were going to make us work hard. But it was a very close and well-matched game so exciting for the crowd too.

“I learnt to never underestimate your opponents and always fight hard to the end, and even when your body has other plans, its your heart that will make up the difference, that and not wanting to let your teammates down.

“We love playing against different teams as this is what helps you to grow as a skater and as a team. It would be amazing to play more and more inter-provincial games when we are able to. We had such fun on track, chatting even during the game and afterwards too.

“We were so appreciative of them taking the time to come down for the game, and this kind of inter-league spirit gives such a great vibe to roller derby in South Africa as a whole,” she said.