Clash Of The Skaters: Bristol Roller Derby

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THE 12TH EDITION

Roller derby is a fascinating, fast-paced yet relatively obscure sport – we went down to the recent Bristol Championships event in Bristol to capture images from the frontline.

Words And Images: Norberto Fernandez Soriano

Roller derby is a full-contact sport played (as the name suggests) on roller skates, between two five-strong teams. To the uninitiated, it seems to mix the sinewy grace of roller-sports with the physicality of rugby – and the complexity of American football. Matches are based on a series of ‘jams’ – short periods, run over an hour-long bout. Players from both teams clash and tactically skate around an oval track to score points in this fascinating high-energy sport.

Countdown: buckling up

Determination, speed and action

In the game, there are no individuals; both teams work to score during short matchups called jams

Time out: knackered