ROLLER DERBY

DERBY teams across North Queensland are getting ready to rumble in Airlie Beach for three epic games of roller derby this Saturday, April 26.

Teams from Cairns, Rockhampton and Bundaberg will travel to Airlie Beach to face off against each other in a fast-paced showdown on wheels.

Airlie Beach will take on the Rum City Derby Dolls from Bundaberg at 3pm.

In February, the Airlie Beach Trashbags beat the Beef City Brawlers from Rockhampton.

This time, Rockhampton will play off against Cairns Derby Dolls at 5pm.

The winners of both games will then take to the track once more for an epic finale at 7pm.

Airlie Beach Trashbags skater Christina Unterwurzacher said roller derby had been described as "a combination of rugby and chess, while someone is throwing bricks at you".

Roller derby is played on quad roller skates by two teams of five skaters each.

Skaters race around the track trying to score points, while preventing the other team from doing so with a series of strategic body blocks and hard knocks.

Locals are invited to come and cheer on their home team at the Whitsunday PCYC in Jubilee Pocket next Saturday.

Signs sporting the team colours of aqua and hot pink are very welcome.

Doors open at 2.30pm, and there will be a barbecue and licensed bar onsite.

The junior derby team will also be putting on a special feature on the day.

All parents, skaters and anyone interested in finding out more about roller derby which is the fastest-growing women's sport in the world, are encouraged to attend.

For more information about the team and skaters, visit http://www.facebook.com/AirlieBeachTrashbags.