Greetings Everyone,

First and foremost, let me say the return of former "original Bomber Great “Coach” Cliff Butler was chilling! To see him back on the track after 30 years, throwing leg blocks, hip checks and doing pack work was classic. Coach never missed a beat. When introduced by the great public address announcer Danny Wolf, the crowd roared with a standing ovation!

There were many former classic skaters in attendance all who were provided with front row seating. Growing up watching the game as a teen I had the sweetest crush on Margie Laslo and it was soooo good to see her looking fabulous as ever. Loretta B. and her husband Phil were also there.

Also in attendance and seated in the VIP section were a few celebrities including the winners of America’s Best Dance Crew and America’s Got Talent runner up. In addition actor and friend Jascha Washington, who starred as “Trent” in the hit motion film “Big Mama’s House,” was also in the VIP.

Las Vegas’ largest newspaper was in attendance and did a huge full page article on Lali and the upcoming game in Friday’s paper I believe. Here is the link to the article http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/oct/30/rolling-punches/

They were also on hand game night interviewing skaters and taking game photos that will be in the sports section of this Tuesday’s Las Vegas Sun according to sports columnist Ron Kantowski. **Roller Derby returning to and featured in the sports sections simply grand!**

Fox TV who previously filmed Lali and her track were on hand and I was told by many residents of Las Vegas footage was shown during the sports section of the 11’oclock broadcast.

The game was exciting with hard blocking, fantastic skating and a great show of athleticism. Due to injury Mizz Georgia Hase could not participate in the game. Under doctors orders she could not be in the infield. You could see this was eating at her as she sat track side with Danny Wolf at the announcer’s table. Then she got up and paced back and forth by the locker rooms, often peeking out to observed the action. We wish her a speedy recovery.

Hall of Famer Great Frankie Macedo was the GM for the Las Vegas High Rollers. It was so good to meet and see him.

Lali O and “Sweet” Stephanie Garcia skated in my opinion their best game ever against one another. Hard blocking, great plays by both women staff occurred throughout the night. On hand were the Las Vegas Sin City Roller Girls who cheered loudly for the home team.

There were only 2 fights all night in the entire game. Lali scored a grand slam to end the night for the women. During the entire women’s contest Sweet Stephanie really showed her athleticism and ability and stayed away from a lot of confrontations. Marnie Smith was excellent as Sweet Stephanie appointed her pack control duties. Marnie kept the pack nice and tight and shared some blocking duties with Lori Weikel when Sweet Stephanie rested. The leading scorers for the Black Hawks women were Janet Rovang and Denise “Spider” Dadras.

When the men took the track for the first time it reminded me of the Bombers vs the NE Braves in the 70’s. High Rollers Men Captain Frank Apadoca teamed with Cliff Butler and presented a very long night for Captain Dave Marez, Ray Robles and the Blackhawks men’s team.

Butler and Marez went at it all night. If I didn’t know any better I would swear Butler never left. Marez was the usual Wildman that he is but this game he really showed the level of skater that he is. He had to match Butler’s experience and hard hitting and he did just that. Butler gave Marez a hard leg block that reminded me of the ones he used to give Taft Waters, Allen Littles etc.

Frank and Ray went at each other all night. Both seemed to have something to prove to the other about who is the best. Late in the second half, Ray hit Frank with such a vicious block, not only did the crowd gasp at once but the effects of the blocks landed Frank over the rail and on to Danny Wolfs table which now has 3 legs!

High Rollers introduced to new young skaters brothers Clinton and Billy “the kid” Bibbus. Ray and Dave showed no mercy on the brothers and continued to punish them viciously each jam. Ray drove Clinton’s head in the rail no helmet and when he fell to the track Robles added a kick to the head. Dave provided several stomps to Billy the Kid’s ribs on a jam before he and Ray threw him out the track. Despite the beating both came back and continued to skate. After the game I noticed several bruises on both skaters that made me squeamish.

On the final jam of the night the score 48-46 High Rollers, Ray broke out of the pack as the lone jammer. Back to block was Frank Apadoca. It was 32 seconds left on the game clock but the jam started and went the full 60 seconds. Frank used a complete arsenal of blocks on Ray, elbows, leg blocks, axe chops etc. Dave Marez tried to get back to help. Frank would hit Marez forward then block Ray performing double duty. Cliff Butler saw what was going on and came to aid Frank keeping Marez sandwiched in between the two. Frank hits Dave forward to Cliff, Cliff provided legs blocks and hard elbows.

With the clock running down Frank pushed Dave forward into Cliff Butler. Cliff did his infamous jump hip block that sent Marez flying. Frank finished Ray off with a combo leg and elbow block to end the game. The fans cheered and literally rushed the track to congratulate the High Rollers, take pictures and get autographs.

I personally believe this was on of the better skated games with out the gimmicks that I have seen in a long time. “THANK YOU SKATERS!!” This is the real derby and I look forward to more of this in the near future. Stay tuned!

Staff Writer @ 2009-2010 Las Vegas High Rollers