Respectable effort at nationals

Local dartists returned from Rotorua where they once again boxed above their weight while representing the district.

Although not quite as successful as last year when a number of national titles were secured, Jo Steed and her Waipapakauri Hotel colleague Steve Doak won the mixed pairs championship on day three of the event last Tuesday, while Brian Steed with Treena Baker made the last eight of the same division.

However, Jo was unable to defend her national women's singles title, although she made it into the last eight before losing to eventual winner Janette Johnathon. Along with Baker, Jo also made it through to the ladies' pairs finals, only to eventually lose to Johnathon with Lorraine Pike on day four.

Elsewhere, in his summary of highlights from the nationals, Brian Steed noted the Far North ladies' team made it through to the second division final where they came runner-up, earning themselves a silver medal; Brian and Jo Steed were knocked out in the last eight of the husband and wife pairs thus ending their hopes of three straight wins; while Steve Doak and Brian Steed made the last eight of the men's pairs. Also notable was Wilson Henry from the Bay of Islands knocking out Craig Caldwell, one of the big names in New Zealand darts, before falling over in the following match against former NZ rep, Wayne Carey.

On the Friday evening, the men's and ladies' tournament teams were picked by the three New Zealand darts selectors, who had been watching throughout the week with Doak and the two Steeds all earning a spot, while at the completion of these games the New Zealand team was announced, with Jo retaining her place in the ladies' team.

Overall there was something for the Northland supporters to cheer for each day, said Steed, adding that the Bay of Islands association was represented with about 16 players in Rotorua, a similar amount to the Far North.

"The standard of the darts this year was exceptionally high," said Steed. "The men's open final between Palmerston North's Craig Pullen and Auckland's Cody Harris was equal to a televised English match.

"Harris during one game hit seven triple 20s in arrow before missing his 8th dart to prevent a perfect 9-dart finish. He finished the game in 11 darts and won the match 5-1."

Back home, the above-mentioned locals now recommence their domestic tour of duty as the Far North competition resumes after being put on ice for a week while the nationals were held.

The draw for game 3 tomorrow evening is, Div 1: Mussel Rock v Waipap One, Murray's Bar v Collards XL, RSA Red v Muriwhenua Darts, Houhora Warriors v Houhora Chiefs, bye: Waipap 2; Div II: Kaitaia v Ngati Bitza 1, Ngati Bitza 2 v RSA 1, KA Nuggets v KA Young Guns, RSA 3 v Awanui.