EVELYN.THORN@cluthaleader.co.nz
Darts is experiencing a resurgence in popularity and local members are calling for keen folks to create a district-wide competition.
The South Otago Darts Association has attracted members from Balclutha to Tapanui since it reformed back in October last year.
Vice-president Barry Gooch jun and player Kevin Grinton said since their annual meeting, ‘‘more and more’’ people had continued to join.
‘‘It was incredible to see the amount of people keen on something new, or still keen after not playing for a while,’’ Mr Gooch said.
‘‘Darts in Balclutha has been reasonably dormant since 1993, so when we held our AGM and had over 40 people turn up, we were stoked.
‘‘From then it has stemmed to around 10 teams who play every week and try to beat their and others’ previous weeks’ scores.’’
Teams play against each other at the Balclutha RSA building, which they called the ‘‘central’’ hub for darts in the district on Monday evenings, while others just have a throw.
Mr Gooch said they played all year and had a break at Christmas time, then got back into it the following February.
‘‘We’re very keen to get some more females in to give us boys a challenge.
‘‘There’s no reason women shouldn’t be throwing darts as good as a man, if not better.’’
‘‘We’ve got youngsters coming in as well to give it a go.
‘‘We could get a district competition going if people are keen.’’
‘‘We’re also looking to get some board sponsors to fix up boards for them.’’
The association hoped to get teams into representative games against Dunedin, Mosgiel, Southland and more.
‘‘Some of us were travelling into Dunedin to play against others — so it’s great we’ve got this back up and running,’’ Mr Gooch said.
‘‘People are more than welcome to come along and have a throw.
‘‘We’ve got some very friendly but competitive players who are always ready for more competition.’’
