ColonelPod #18 - HaRD Knocks defeat Las Tejanas
HaRD Knocks 197 - Alamo’s Las Tejanas 79
We review the June 17 bout of Houston v San Antonio travel teams: HaRD Knocks & Las Tejanas.
HaRD Knocks 197 - Alamo’s Las Tejanas 79
We review the June 17 bout of Houston v San Antonio travel teams: HaRD Knocks & Las Tejanas.
June 21st, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Colonel -
I love what you do for Roller Derby - and for Houston. You’re a class act. There is one thing that I have to agree with Phil on - and that’s clean play.
Now, I understand and respect the fact that Roller Derby is a physical contact sport - and there is a penalty system - and all of that plays into the chess match of the bout. Cool. The Texecutioners learned a hard lesson about the use of penalties to win a game in Tucson - and it did not sit well.
All of that aside, let’s try to agree on a few things.
1) Most penalties involve a risk of injury beyond what is expected (ie: tripping, hitting helmets, hitting at the knees, hitting from behind, blocking out of play - which is technically similar to a blind-side hit.)
2) EVERY team is occasionally called for these types of fouls - but if it seems they are intentional, you may have a riot on your hands (check Belle Starr’s reaction in game two - she is not only an allstar for Austin, but a very CLEAN skater in general)
3) Most fouls occur when a skater is beaten by her opponent (like tripping, hitting from behind, hitting in the head, etc.)
4) When your team is up 60+ points, and there is no danger of winning by less than 40, perhaps the illegal part of the game is NOT proper - no - in my opinion, continuing to foul when you’re up by that much shows a lack of class - something I don’t want associated with one of my favorite leagues - and I’ve seen a few.
Houston - you’re fast, you’re tough, you won the game hands down. No question. Fouls are always controversial - and I NEVER like to see illegal play - so please, put yourself in your fans’ shoes (and Phil Arnold and I are most definitely Houston fans - from a league, to teams, to skaters and staff) - keep our respect and respect your beaten opponents as you were respected in Austin. Let’s move on - agreed?
Much derby love to you all!
Ziv
YOUR humble photographer and fan.
June 21st, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Ziv,
Point well taken. Agreed, as well, especially in reagrds to injuries and point spread. However, as an announcer I am always egging for drama (that of the non-injurious style), and aggressive play makes for more fodder at ringside. That’s where my comments came into play. I see the purist side and actually agree with it. However, the other half of me pushes for rule bending and the chances being taken that come with it (outside of causing injury). You’re also right about Belle Starr- she’s always been a top notch player based on skill and spirit. I am a big fan and have been since 2005. Thanks fo the comment! - Colonel