We’re just about recovered from the North American Qualifiers here at MRDA HQ, but there’s little time to relax just yet as we hurtle toward the European leg of the competition.
Hosted by Manchester Roller Derby, the European Qualifiers will take place between 18th and 19th August at the centrally located North Bridge Leisure Centre, Halifax and will determine who places in October’s championship playoff finals in Portland, OR.
The teams competing are, in no particular order, Manneken Beasts, Barrow Infernos, Tyne and Fear, Nottingham Roller Derby and Lincolnshire Rolling Thunder; we’ve taken the opportunity to catch up with each of them and pose those all important questions that you’ve all been dying to ask.
Here we chew the fat with Tyne and Fear’s Sixty Quad Bit who is currently wearing number 64 and blocking, and his teammate Dog who skates as number 82; we can’t print his preferred position, what with this being a family publication…
What does it mean to be a part of MEQ?
SQB: A Couple of years ago I thought I was never going to be able to play roller derby again due my health getting worse (due to Ulcerative colitis being diagnosed). So the fact that I’m back playing again means everything!
D: It’s like all my wildest dreams have come true!
What will you be working on during the tournament?
SQB: Working with my team from a new perspective as I had been jamming since 2012-2016.
D: Tyne and Fear will be working on a lot of stuff during the tourney; I can’t say what that is though atm.
Who are you personally looking forward to facing on track?
SQB: The mighty roller polar bear – we have unfinished business from 2012…
D: Toots – we have, like, massive beef.
Who is the one to watch on your team?
SQB: Not sure I can answer that one, been away too long.
D: Sparky Jamie, he’s a bit new (for us).
What has been your MRDA highlight of 2018?
SQB: NWO
D: I dunno, it’s all coming to a climax now, I’m sure the best bit is to come.
Bread: Settle an argument; is it roll, cob, bap…?
SQB: All invalid options. Stottie reigns supreme!
D: I’m on Atkins.
Finally, the question everyone’s asking, could you explain to our readers why Roller Polar Bear hasn’t made your roster for this tournament?
SQB: The one man meme machine deserves his own team.
D: He didn’t make our attendance requirement of one session.