Out Of Your League: Leeds Roller Dolls
In a new feature for UKAmericanSportsFans.com, we bring you some of the fiercest skaters on the roller derby tracks of the UK and delve a little deeper into who they are, how they play, and a whole lot more!
Name: Lyndsay Burgan
League: Leeds Roller Dolls
Derby/Skater name: Shere Carnage
Age: 27
Day job: Project Analyst
How did you choose your derby name?
A lot of scribbling down different ideas and playing with words. This one just sort of stood out.
What is your usual role on the rink?
Blocker – usually defence
What do you think is your greatest strength or asset in that role?
I love a good anchor (holding on to my team mate(s) in front and using them to swing from side to side, keeping the opposing player behind me)
What do you enjoy most about derby?
The competitiveness and the team work, which is why bout days are amazing. We get to bring all our hours of training together and make it work as a team.
Who have been your toughest opponents to date and why?
Last year we played Helsinki at the Track Queens tournament in Berlin. They were really strong and physical – it was lots of fun playing them.
Which of your team mates are you glad you don’t have to skate against and why?
All of them! After scrimmaging against them in team time I hurt! I always go away thinking ‘I’m glad we’re on the same team’.
Please tell us a word of roller derby slang and explain what it means
Gazelle/Gazelling
To pick off one of the other team and hold her back.
Used to slow down the pack, create out of play situations for the other team so your jammer is released, reduce the amount of opposing blockers who are blocking your jammer and control where the pack is. Also know as a goat.
What would you say to fresh meat out there thinking of getting involved?
Do it, have fun, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
When can people next see you skate?
10th-12th May – 2013: A Skate Odyssey – official WFTDA tournament, Ghent (away)
Saturday 1st June – LRD vs Hot Wheel Roller Derby, North Bridge Leisure Centre, Halifax (away)
Saturday 15th June – LRD vs Dublin, Futsal Arena, Leeds (home)
