The Deniliquin Darts Club has hit the bullseye when it comes to starting a fun new club in the community.
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Founder Scott Vesty got the group started after searching in vain for any local darts clubs.
Originally from Mathoura and having spent the last six years in Finley, Vesty came to Deniliquin as area manager for Cruizin* Diner.
Following his fruitless enquiries, the darts enthusiast was contacted by Deni RSL Club operations manager Jamie Hicks about the RSL supporting his proposed venture to start a club himself.
Vesty said he put a call-out for interest in forming a Deniliquin Darts Club, which would be open to anyone.
The club has now been running for four weeks, with an average of 20 players each week.
“It is for all skill levels and is about having fun, meeting new people and making new friends,” Vesty said.
“We hold our Monday night competition and are looking to do a once a month mix competition.
“Have been on the hunt for some sponsors and have had some good responses, but we are always looking for more.”
“Jamie and the RSL have been fantastic. They’ve purchased the dartboards and have welcomed us in.
“Darts is something that has been growing in popularity over the last few years, and it is all about having fun.”
In addition to the Monday night singles competition, the Deniliquin Darts Club will hold monthly competitions on the first Sunday of each month.
Because of Father’s Day this weekend, the scheduled doubles competition will take place next Sunday, September 13 instead. It begins at noon, at the RSL Club.
For this week’s Monday night singles, 21 players stepped up to the oche (throwing line) across three grades.
“It was awesome to see some new players come along and have a throw,” Vesty said.
“It is great to see people improving week-to-week, with games becoming more competitive.
“A big welcome to Rhys Halls and Steve Betts to the Darts Club.
“We also had Alex O’Leary from the Echuca Moama Darts Association who came and competed.”
Winners for this week were Ethan Okesene in A-grade, Lindsay Dalzell in B-grade and Darren McLoughlin in C-grade.
In A-grade, Ethan was pushed all the way in a tight contest. He got over the line for the fourth week in a row.
In B-grade, there was a three-way six dart shoot out for second place. Lindsay came away with the chocolates, with Tyler Crane second.
C-grade was a great battle, with another three-way six darts shootout for a spot in the final.
For the chance to meet eventual winner Darren in the final, there was a shootout between Tony Tonta, Jason Wilson and first-timer Naomi R. Tony moved on, but came up short in the end.
Each winner received a $50 Harvey Norman gift card, and runners-up got a Brick Kiln Cafe voucher.
Naomi received the Deni Clothing Co encouragement award.
Justin Parker, Ethan Oksene, Collin Sander and Isaac Suckling.
Isaac Suckling with the Deniliquin Darts Club dart board.
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