Making a mark with aim
The aim of two Mangakino teenagers was on target during the recent Clubs New Zealand 2017 North Island Darts Tournament.
Jamie Barlow, 14, and Tawhaki Webber, 13, placed first and second respectively in the 12 to 17 age group at the Porirua based tournament which saw competitors travel from throughout the North Island to compete.
Up against 30 in their category alone, taking out the two top spots was no small feat for the teens who have only been playing for just over three years.
‘‘There were heaps of competitors which made the competition pretty hard and I remember thinking if I didn’t win my qualifying round for the final I’d be gone but I had to stay calm at the same time,’’ Jamie said.
‘‘I lost one game in the heats but won the rest which meant I won overall and I was really happy. My family was there too and they were really happy for me as well giving me heaps of hugs and kisses.’’
Tawhaki, although beaten by Jamie, said there was no jealousy between them and he was equally as happy having come second during the competition.
‘‘It was good because it was my first time coming second at a national competition,’’ he said.
Jamie said there was no secret to their success, it simply came down to dedication and plenty of practise.