2018 International WFTDA Playoffs Atlanta Game 15: London vs Montreal
Photo: William Toft

2018 Playoffs Atlanta Game 15: London vs. Montréal

Kristi Stratton “Oxford Trauma”
London Rollergirls (Seed #5, WFTDA #14) vs. Montréal Roller Derby (Seed #2, WFTDA #7)

London Rollergirls175

Montreal Roller Derby 180

The London Rollergirls of London, England (Seed #5, WFTDA #14) and Montréal Roller Derby of Montréal, Québec, Canada (Seed #2, WFTDA #7) found themselves in the third place game of the 2018 International WFTDA Playoffs Atlanta after having been denied a chance at the gold medal in their Saturday semifinal matchups. The outcome of the game would determine more than just third place — it would mean ending their postseason in Atlanta or moving on to the 2018 International WFTDA Championships New Orleans. After a tight back-and-forth game with constant lead changes, Montréal clinched their spot at Champs with a last-minute, five-point victory over London in the final jam.

The outcome is especially thrilling for Montréal considering London has shut them down in their last five matchups. But despite their history, there was no clear winner for much of today’s low-scoring, close game. Right from the start, both team’s defense solidly held their ground, making it difficult for jammers to find any daylight and put away points.

2018 International WFTDA Playoffs Atlanta Game 15: London vs Montreal
Gif by Jurassic Snark

The score stayed close for the entire first half, with only two lead changes. The first period ended with one of those lead changes edging Montréal ahead 93-92.

The second period saw some intense jammer matchups as the crowd’s cheers grew to a collective roar — each jam more thrilling than the last. London’s Trisha Smackanawa put on a powerful performance, expertly navigating Montréal’s walls, and Miracle Whips’s bounding toe stop footwork was, in turn, successful on the lines against London.

2018 International WFTDA Playoffs Atlanta Game 15: London vs Montreal
Gif by Jurassic Snark

London held on to the lead for nearly the entire second period, but Montréal added just enough points to close the gap, bringing it to a four-point differential in the penultimate jam of the game.

The crowd screamed in excitement leading into the final jam of the game, which would be decisive in determining which team would earn the bronze and advance to the WFTDA Championships in New Orleans. The outcome of the game hinged on this final lead jammer status and Montréal’s Falcon Punch was up to the task, quickly maneuvering her way out of the pack. London’s Delta Strike got a penalty with 12 seconds left in the game, allowing Falcon Punch to gain nine points before calling off the jam to win this exciting game, 180-175.

2018 International WFTDA Playoffs Atlanta Game 15: London vs Montreal
Gif by Jurassic Snark

Montréal will continue their postseason journey to the Hydra at the 2018 International WFTDA Championships New Orleans in November.

Back to 2018 International WFTDA Playoffs Atlanta Tournament Central

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