New darts season gets under way
DARTS
Awanui, but the Nomads’ power was evident, with the team compiling 31 ton-plus scores. Derek Ashley hit a 180 and the highest finish of 126. The Nomads looked strong, winning 11-5.
The Houhora Chiefs took on the Ahipara Arrows at the bowling club, where the locals were outscored. Arrows captain Leon Matthews hit a 180 and led their scoring, along with John McGovern, but the Chiefs led the finishing, Robert Bradley throwing the highest finish (104), winning the match 10-6.
The Coasters, of Cooper’s Beach, hosted RSA T and the scoring was sublime, with 54 ton-plus scores recorded, Kelvin Marinkovich throwing 15 of them. Coaster Bruce Jackson threw two 180s and a match-highest finish of 116, while Cameron Thomas led the RSA’s scoring, and had three good wins. The Coasters prevailed 11-5.
Last year’s champs Mussel Rock were away at Houhora, taking on the Warriors, the match producing 11 140s and three 180s, one each to Jeff Hobson, Shane Godinet and Jaymie Hilton- Jones. Jaymie also top scored, with 16 scores above 100, and hit the match-highest finish of 73.
Shane led the Warriors’ scoring but Mussel Rock were too sharp, winning 13-3.
RSA To¯tara hosted 3RD Rock and all scored well, with some consistent finishing.
Sam Ruke hit a 180 and Stu Jobe threw the match-highest finish of 74. New player KC Manga led the scoring for 3RD Rock, which has two new players who performed well on their first outing against a very strong RSA team, which won 14-2.
Waipapakauri had home advantage against RSA Red. The match produced 49 ton-plus scores and two 180s, one each to Jo and Brian Steed. Brian also threw a great 140 highest finish. Tim Warneford led the Reds’ scoring, but perennial finalists Waipapakauri were on form, winning 13-3.
The Whatuwhiwhi Coasters hosted RSA Tui at Cooper’s Beach. A close contest saw Ben Bowmar lead the locals’ scoring, while Ariana Popata led the Tui, including a match-highest 160. The clash see-sawed but with three games to go Whatuwhiwhi snuck ahead to snatch a 9-7 win.