LOCAL skaters SWAT Roller Derby hit the ground running as they won their first game in the new season of the British Championships.

Having retained their position in Tier 2 at the end of the 2016 season, the South West Angels of Terror – who train in Taunton, Exeter and Cullompton and have players from across Devon and Somerset – faced Kent Roller Girls for the first time in Herne Bay.

SWAT didn’t disappoint, as right from the start their jammers began to score points against the opposing teams’ blockers.

Continually breaking through the walls, it wasn’t long before the points were racking up.

SWAT consistently came out of the pack first taking the accolade of lead jammer; this didn’t deter Kent who remained hot on SWAT’s heels.

Jammer Dot Slash (TJ Usher) wowed the crowd by scoring 25 points in one jam whilst the formidable SWAT blockers locked down the Kent jammer, and by the end of the first half SWAT led 77-55.

Somerset County Gazette:

JAMMING: SWAT's Dot Slash (purple) in action against Kent Roller Girls.

SWAT’s jammers combined their power, agility and quick thinking to keep the score board tipping in their favour, while the blockers covered the track and slowed Kent down to win through 153-119.

Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes attended the British Championships game and made time for a photograph with the winning team.

For more information on SWAT Roller Derby or to get involved see swatrollerderby.com.