Good sports: Brian Steed talks darts

There's more to darts than what television suggests.

In years gone by, darts in Northland has been a hive of activity. At its peak, Northland would push the country's top regional teams, but in recent years player numbers have dwindled due to the sport in Whangarei pretty much ceasing. However, there are moves being made to get the sport back up-and-running in Whangarei. Northland Darts secretary Brian Steed told The Northern Advocate about the state of darts in Northland.

Northland-wide, what is the state of darts? What previously has it been?

New Zealand darts is made up of 16 districts throughout the country of which Northland is 'Region One'. Region One covers the Whangarei and Northland areas. The Far North and Bay of Islands have healthy growing membership, but Whangarei - which traditionally was the powerhouse of Northland darts - no longer has an association.

Are we any good as a region? Who are our key players currently involved in the sport?

Northland, as a team, is currently a mid-runner on the national stage, but when Whangarei was involved we could compete with the country's top teams - Canterbury and Auckland. Individually we have some top players. Kaitaia's Jo Steed is a New Zealand team player and finished last season as the number one ranked lady in the country. Also Kaitaia's Steve Doak is currently a first reserve in the New Zealand team.

It's not your everyday common sport; how do the players involved generally get into the sport?

A lot of people have a board at home and are interested in the game but don't know how to get involved in competition games. In other parts of the country there are associations that have their own clubrooms but in the north it is generally played from local taverns. New Zealand Darts runs National Junior and Youth tournaments and an under-24s championship each year, as well as a Senior National Champs. But, it's not all about the champs, darts players overall seem to be an easy going bunch with enjoyment being the first priority.

Is the image of darts that is portrayed on television an accurate one? In terms of the players and the people supporting the sport?

Darts clips on national television usually show older, large people drinking but this is a real blinkered view of the sport as a whole. In England, darts is Sky TV's second biggest viewed sport and the current world champ is only 22 years old. The great thing about the sport is you can be big or small, old or young, and still be competitive. In last year's New Zealand team there was a 19-year-old and a 63-year-old.

How do people get into the sport in Northland?

The best contact for someone wanting to get into the game is myself, Brian Steed [Northland Darts secretary]. You can phone 094067476 or email bjsteed@xtra.co.nz.