Weston Super Clare

1) When did you join CCR and why?

I transferred to CCR in 2011 when I came to Birmingham to complete my MSc in Hydrogeology at Birmingham uni. They seemed like an alright bunch so I stayed… and it’s my 8th CCRiversary this year.

2) Favourite Derby memory?

So many! I’ve really loved travelling and staying together as a team, and all the associated interpretative dance-offs and pool parties that come with that. Together we’ve been to the USA and all over europe; Miami, Colorado, Berlin, Ghent, and Gothenburg to name a few.

3) Which position do you play?

Jammer for life, baby.

4) Derby hero?

In the interest of word count I’m going to keep this brief; Freight Train, Scald Eagle, Curly Haar, Loren Mutch and also every jammer ever- it’s a hard life and you’re smashing it

5) Derby goals?

I’m currently working on improving control when I use my edges and my explosivity to exploit gaps as they appear. I’m aspiring to master that ‘falling but also skating and also staying in bounds’ style that just blows my mind, man. Our jammer school has been super helpful in building my confidence to try new skills.

6) Most embarrassing derby moment?

But in all seriousness, I don’t really embarrass that easily, mainly due to the SHEER VOLUME of embarrassing things I do.

Some highlights: there’s the time I was hit off track at a Dublin game and managed to end up sitting neatly between some spectators in the bleachers. When faced with Optimus Grime as the last blocker out the front of a pack at one of the Louisey Rider Cup tournys I decided to squeak and very elaborately call off the jam to much amusement from the crowd. There’s also the time I stopped a little too late and totalled Anton Deck (one of our excellent refs) and we ended up sprawled on the outside of the track together during a game against London Brawl Saints…. the list goes on. I also think I have photos of all of these incidents.

1) When did you join CCR and why?

I joined CCR in March this year after moving down from Edinburgh where I was skating with Auld Reekie for 2 years. It my was my first league move and a little scary training with a different league, but CCR quickly felt like my new derby home. I knew that with coaches and skaters from 4 different national teams I’d be learning from the best.

2) Favourite Derby memory?

I have countless derby memories from nights out with derby friends to funny moments in training, but my favourite memory is probably my very first newbie game, hearing the announcer say how many points I’d scored and receiving the best jammer award. Also when I guested with the Blitz Dames one skater couldn’t remember my name so yelled HAGGIS to get my attention on track.

3) Which position do you play?

I am a jammer and have recently been rostered on both the A and B team, I focused for a short time on blocking in my last league but I definitely feel best when jumping and spinning around on toestops. I’d still like to improve my blocking skills though.

4) Derby hero?

My derby hero is the skater that got me into this sport, Deedee. She is clever, supportive, encouraging and a menace on (and off) track. If it weren’t for her there are many friends I wouldn’t have made and many opportunities I wouldn’t have gone for.

5) Derby goals?

My derby goals are to make it on to the main A team roster (and have the confidence to feel I belonged there), I’d love the chance to try out for Team Scotland one day too.

6) Most embarrassing derby moment?

I don’t have one particular embarrassing moment but people think I’m a huge Harry Potter fan – really my Potter trivia is rubbish. I think my most embarrassing derby moment is still to come, stay tuned.

7) Favourite move?

The t-shirt whip!

8) Pre-game ritual?

A thousand nervous pees and lots of DMX