Skaters set for slamming battle

PUMPED: Team members Fiona Cameron, DeArna Branson, Jodi Tanga and Layla Robinson, are geared up for the competition. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER 090514AW01

It's not every day you get to watch a fierce group of women battle it out in the name of good sports.

For the first time, Rotorua will play host to Slam Rock 2014; a roller derby competition at the Sportsdrome on June 7.

Representing Rotorua, the Motley Crew will come up against the Iron Maidens from Mt Maunganui.

Organiser of the group, Layla Robinson (Cold Blooded), said it's a great event for the whole family to enjoy.

"The audience create a really wicked atmosphere and get right into supporting their favourite team."

Ms Robinson said all teams were welcoming and the Motley Crew was looking forward to inviting the Iron Maidens to their home turf.

"On the rink we are enemies but afterwards we're drinking buddies so it's a great sport to get involved in."

As well as the roller derby game, the audience will be entertained by the halftime air guitar competition open for all ages.

MusicWorks Rotorua has donated an Ibanez electric guitar as the prize for the over-16 category and there will be an acoustic guitar for the winner of the 15 and under age group.

Both guitars will be signed by New Zealand rock band Devilskin. The heats for the air guitar competition are being held at the Rotorua Night Market this Thursday.

Motley Crew team member DeArna Branson (Sadistic Doll) said there was still a stereotype about the type of women that took part in roller derbys.

"People expect a certain type of woman to be interested in playing but it is actually a really diverse sport and fits any type of woman. I'm the most unco-ordinated person I know and I can do it," Ms Branson said.

Ms Robinson said she was confident they had what it took to win.

"We are the underdogs of the competition so we are wary that we have to train really hard but it's our first home game and we'd really love to win."