The opening night of the Far North darts season last Wednesday had all the teams play at the Kaitaia RSA on an evening delivering a rare opportunity for all the players to get together and socialise, while regaling each other with stories of the 180 missed by a wire.
In his report from the evening's play, FNDA spokesman Laurence Erstich said there was some great scoring and finishing by the usual players as well as a number of quality newcomers to the domestic fours competition.
"There are a lot of new players this season, both young and the experienced returning players who love the game. Things look good for the darts in 2017," Erstich said. Highlights from the night included RSA 1 looking impressive in their 13-3 victory with BJ Williams hitting a 114 finish, and 12 x100-plus scores, while newbie Nelson Ashley scored well with two 140s and six 100-plus scores and a 50 finish.
Other individuals to shine in the opening round play were Steve Doak with 15 100-plus scores and a 110 finish, to look typically in-form against team Wild Thing, John Proctor looking ominous against Awanui by hitting five 140s and 10 100-plus scores, Chris Silich from team XL (apparently a reference to the shirt size) on fire with a 140 finish and 16 100-plus scores, while Pat Hopokingi nailed a 180 as did Dobbie Rollo, Chris Bell and Andrew Lovich.
RESULTS
Middle Earth 11 RSA 2, RSA One 13 Houhora Chiefs 3, Ahipara Aces 15 RSA Mixed 1, Waipap 15 Awanui 1, Murray's Bar 12 Ahipara Arrows 4, Mussel Rock 14 Mission Impossible 2, XL Mussel 14 Muriwhenua 2, RSA Red 14 Wild Thing 2
