Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), Friday 14 July 1950, page 18


Thrills and Spills A BRAND-NEW sport which is at. present sweeping America has now invaded Launceston-the roller derby. The first derby to be held here was staged last. Wednesday night at a skating carnival at Elphin. Those watching- described it as. "about the roughest sport they'd seen." Thrills were firequent, and spills even-more so, but the entrants, mostly youths, liked it so much they are asking for another chance. It is probable that these events will b held in future from time to time. In America, home of the roller derby, contestants scream, kick at each other on. the turns; and pull each other's hair. Much the same nefarious goings-on were noted in its Launceston counterpart, but with one essential difference-competitors at EIphin were men; in the U.S they are all women.