SWAT Roller Derby hosted game five of the British Championships at Wellsprings Leisure Centre last weekend.

Their opponents were London Rockin’ Rollers (LRR), currently ranked seven places above SWAT in the national rankings.

After an immaculately observed minute’s silence, SWAT went on the offensive from the start, taking a quick lead for the first jams. 

Favourites LRR hit back, and an unfortunate double penalty for SWAT jammer Barber’Anne gave LRR a chance to take the lead midway through the first half, but the hosts retained their composure.

SWAT’s wall of purple was almost impenetrable, causing LRR to weaken their own walls by sending blockers to help their jammers.

This allowed the SWAT jammers an easier run through the pack and a chance to pick up lead jammer for control of the game.

The first half closed with LRR 57-52 up, but with the momentum very much with the home team.

After the interval, the tiring LRR jammers started to pick up penalties, allowing SWAT to take and extend their lead. 

LRR continued to fight until the final whistle, but they were never able to regain the lead as SWAT closed out a superb 136-97 victory.