The Okanagan Roller Derby Association (OKRD) hosted the Kelowna Applesmacks vs. the Penticton Pistoleras at the Rutland Arena on Saturday night and it was a vicious and strategy-ridden game from the blow of the first whistle to the last.

Packed full of hard hits, skilled skating and masterful strategy, there is no wonder why roller derby is the fastest growing woman's sport in the world. OKRD is skater-owned and operated and was founded in 2009, making it the Okanagan's first flat track roller derby league. Now 7 years later, it hosts more than 45 skaters.

Photo Credit: KelownaNow

Kelowna has two teams, the tier one team being the Applesmacks , and tier two team, the Cherrybombs. The tiers simply divide the teams by availability, not by skill level, making it that much easier for beginners to feel comfortable when getting involved.

Representing the league is a host of different women all coming from different backgrounds. From full-time stay-at-home moms, to lawyers, this sport welcomes any and all who can handle it.

Photo Credit: KelownaNow

The game began with the two teams doing a demo jam to show new audience members the ropes on how to follow the game due to the many rules, followed by player introductions.

Photo Credit: KelownaNowHaving fun during the demo jamPhoto Credit: KelownaNowThe Penticton PistolerasPhoto Credit: KelownaNowThe Kelowna Applesmacks

Teams weren't friendly for long before the players went into game mode. Before fans knew it players were already forming human barricades to keep the other team's jammer from getting points, at times causing full on pile ups on the track.

Photo Credit: KelownaNow

This game isn't all about annihilating the other team physically, players need their mental game to be just as strong and fast as their body, and these ladies had it all. At times, the game can be rough and injuries happen. No matter the score or intensity of the game players and refs will take a knee out of respect for the injured player until they are able to be helped off the track.

Photo Credit: KelownaNowTaking a knee

Once a jammer took the lead, blockers had to think quickly to figure out the best way to stop them, at times linking arms to make a wall and take up more of the track. Jammers had the difficult task of trying to manoeuvre through the strategic barriers to gather points and had to rely on their fast skating abilities to sneak around quickly.

Photo Credit: KelownaNowPhoto Credit: KelownaNow

By halftime, the Applesmacks lead the game by 20 points but not long after that the Pistoleras were catching up, ultimately leading to the Applesmacks calling a timeout with only 30 seconds left in the game. In the end, the Applesmacks had what it took to take the game for Kelowna but not without breaking a sweat as the Pistoleras brought the fire.

Photo Credit: KelownaNowPhoto Credit: KelownaNowPretty excited about the win!

If you missed out on this great game or are just learning about the sport and want to see the next, keep an eye on the OKRD schedule and our events calendar for the next game.

Photo Credit: KelownaNowThe two teams after the game

For more photos of this steller game, click here!