Vixens Go Tropo

Words by Fanny Von Viper

For the 3rd year running, Morayfield Leisure Centre was the host for this years Tropicarnage Cup and this was TVR's second year representing.

On Day 1 the Vixens represent in white against Coastal Assassin's in black

What is known as the toughest tournament in the region, the Tropicarnage Cup brings together Roller Derby teams from across Queensland and Northern New South Wales, to battle it out in a three day competition.

This year was the first cup for TVR’s Smutty Professor along with Korruptor, and welcomed back Jac Nippleson, after taking a break since last year's cup to give birth to her daughter Edie.

D'Praved jamming against the Potluckys

The Vixens first bout was against Coastal Assassins Roller Derby on day one of the tournament. CARD managed to take an early lead, despite some fierce blocking from Monie Bones and Poisionality. It wasn’t until a power jam, where Happy Cadaver got the first crucial points on the board in the fifth jam.

CARD’s walls and heavy blocking tested the Vixen’s jammers, but with the amazing agility from No Heels and jamming skills from both D’Praved and Jac Nippleson throughout the game, TVR was able to rack up some points to add to the score board. Unfortunately though, CARD managed to hold the lead heading into the second half with the final score 295 - 82.

Happy Cadaver, Vixen's Captain puts
on an impressive front block

TVR's next bout carried over into day 2 against the mixed team the Potlucky's. The girls went into the bout not only contending with the increasing heat, but with a diminished team, going from 10 players on day one to only eight on day two. Despite this, spirits were high and the team “centered” their energy into producing a strong and entertaining game.

From the first whistle, the Vixens gave it everything. Heavy hits were given throughout the first few jams, however this lead to players becoming too familiar with the penalty box and allowing room for the Potluckys to increase their points on the scoreboard.

The game-changer came when Poisonality as jammer, performed a stunning conga-line game-play off the jammer line, pushing her blockers in front of her like a trolly collecter to plough the opposing blockers out of the way. This was then followed by some skillful jamming and big hits by Monie Bones, which frazzled the Potluckys and their defence.

With the Potluckys leading 73 to TVR 49, D’Praved took to the jammer line. With the assistance of Korruptor delivering fierce offence, the tenacity of D’Praved, powered through the pack gaining a massive 25point jam, placing TVR in the lead.

The great teamwork, big hits and incredible jamming continued into the second half with TVR taking out the win on the final whistle, 222 to 128.

A special thank you goes out to the Vixen's Bench Manager, Laydee McBiatch and her assistant Benchy, Zombetty. Also a huge thank you to those TVRians who made the drive to support our girls from the sidelines. Lastly, another big thanks to Zombetty and her Derby Widow Kerryn for managing the TVR Merch stand. The Vixens can't do it without you guys!

The Vixens get a 'Goat'

 

 

This wrapped up a great year of Derby. Despite losing a few key players at the end of this season, including the talented No Heels, and the infamous Korruptor, the Vixens will be looking to come back into the new season, faster, harder and stronger, with a new line-up of tenacious skaters who are just chomping at the bit to give it their all. Viva La TVR!!!