A LISS youth centre manager is encouraging woman across East Hampshire to try a full contact roller skate sport that is fast gaining popularity.

Georgina Leigh from Petersfield manages the Crossover Youth Centre in Liss and is a member of the not for profit Roller Derby team, Portsmouth Roller Wenches.

She said: “It is fast, fun and full-contact, and combines athleticism, strategy and a rock ‘n’ roll attitude, making it fun and a fantastic spectacle for spectators.

“It is one of the fastest growing women’s sports in the world, and we are always on the hunt for new team members, referees, non-skating officials, and supporters.”

Roller derby is played by two opposing teams of five skating around an elliptical track. Each team tries to get a player out in front of the group so they can speed round the track, catch the pack and rejoin it, so scoring points.

The remaining players try to prevent this happening by blocking, bumping and obstructing opposition team members. At the same time, and using the same tactics, they try to clear a path for their speedster to complete their circuit.

Each play, or jam, lasts two minutes, then another five players from each team take to the track.

To gain a flavour of this fast growing woman’s sport watch Portsmouth Roller Wenches in action this Saturday, December 2, from 1pm to 5.30pm at Havant Horizon Leisure Centre, Centre Road, Havant, P09 2AY.

The club is hosting a double header match, their last of the season, against Bath Roller Derby Girls and Southampton City Rollers, entry £7 on the day, £6 online, under-14s free.

For details visit the website www.portsmouthrollerwenches.com or e-mail [email protected]