FOR these fearless super skaters it’s a case of roll on April.

That is when south Essex’s only roller derby team, the Seaside Siren Roller Girls, have their first ever league match.

Just like Dodgeball, the American sport of Roller Derby has started to make its way over to the UK and in Canvey, the 25 members of the Sirens have proved they’ve got all the right moves.

The Sirens have been practising weekly at Waterside Farm Leisure Centre, Canvey, since they formed two years ago.

The tough sport, described as “rugby on rollerskates” consists of two teams of four defensive players and one “jammer” skating around a special track, while trying to block each other.

It may not seem like the most ladylike of leisure activities, but the sport is exciting to watch and skaters have to wear helmets, knee pads and gum shields to protect themselves from the endless tumbles and injuries sustained during bouts.

The Sirens first ever league bout, entitled Brawl at Sea, will take place on Saturday April 23, at Garon Park Southend.

It is promising to be a high-octane afternoon of sports entertainment, with the Sirens going head to head with fellow roller derby team, the Norfolk Brawds.

Lauren Burles, 26, from Hockley, is co-chairman of the Siren’s fundraising committee. She said: “We are really training hard for the match, it’s going to be a lot of fun.

“We have been waiting a long time for a proper league match, as there are only a handful of roller derby teams in the Essex and London area.”

The Sirens have to completely fund themselves and have to raise money to pay for the forthcoming match at Garons Park.

To help towards the costs they are organising an “anti-Valentine’s Day” Black and Blue Ball at the Kursaal function suite in Southend tomorrow. Tickets are £10.

For more details about the sirens, visit www.seasidesirenrollergirls.com