It was nail-biting derby action at Jubilee Stadium on Saturday, but in the end the West Coast Bombers had to give up the fortress as they were beaten 174-169 by Auckland's Broadside Brawlers.
The Brawlers represented a big step up in competition for the Whanganui squad, as they are thedevelopment team from the Pirate City Rollers - New Zealand's oldest roller derby league and the highest ranked in the worldwide WFTDA standings.
The visitors led 89-84 at halftime, thanks to a strong 14-2 jam to end the half.
The Bombers lost one player to injury as they made inroads towards the deficit, but in the end the Brawlers held on to win by five points.
