Having the right aim | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

SEVEN local youth had great success at the New Zealand Junior/Youth Dart Championships, with two becoming the national mixed youth champions.

Michelle McKee (17) and Nic Southorn (17) competed against the countries best to take the top spot and gold medal. The duo also had outstanding individual success, with Michelle placing third and Nic fifth. The nationals were held in Hastings on July 13-15, and the local players had added success with six out of the seven making the New Zealand Tournament Teams - the top 16 players in the two divisions. Michelle, Nic and Rebekah Frost were selected for the youth team and Az Mason, Anjela Frost and Shohn Harper the junior team.

Rebekah, Anjela and Az all placed fifth in their individual sections and Shohn placed ninth.

The seventh member Dean Hughes (9) came third in the Junior Singles Consolation section.

In the pairs events Rebekah and Michelle came fifth (girls championships), Anjlea and Az came fifth (girls), Anjela and Dean came fifth (mixed), Dean and Shohn came third in the boys consolation and Az and Shohn came fifth in the mixed consolation.

All seven-dart players said they gained valuable knowledge and tips from the tournament.

The team were coached and managed by Neil McKee, with most of the youth representing the Taranaki Central Darts Club. The team would like to thank the local businesses and their families for helping with the tournament.