In a thrilling opening round of the year, women’s darts teams clashed in close exciting matches on Tuesday night.

The Cook Islands Game Fishing Club Darts A Team Women faced off against the Mamio Flights Women’s team.

Both teams showcased skill and determination, and ultimately it was the fishing club ladies who emerged the overall winners, defeating the Mangaian Mamio’s with a score of 10 games to 8.

This closely contested match not only set the tone for the season but also highlighted the growing excitement and talent in women’s darts on Rarotonga.

Fishing club captain Angela Charlie said it was a great evening and the games ran smoothly.

“It’s been such a good night to play and we also give thanks to the Mamio Flights ladies; we greatly appreciate the fun games and the challenge,” said Charlie.

Captain of the Mamio Flights, Helena Micthell said their team had been feeling a bit dusty getting back into the game after a long break, shaking off the cobwebs.

“Thankfully darts is one of those games where you can walk back into it - it’s all about getting the aim right.

“Getting everyone back into the game… it’s a lot to ask the team to come back but it was awesome and that’s what we love about darts, we can come back out of the blue and start again.

“Otherwise the spirit of the game, the camaraderie hasn’t died, it’s great and we are wishing all the teams the best for this year,” said Mitchell.

President of the Mamio Flights Darts Association, Harold Ruatoe was present to support and encourage the women.

“I’m happy with their performance, June (Piakura George) is new in the team and she did very well; our ladies did good and I’m proud of them,” said Ruatoe.

The high scorers on the night were: Rebecca Hosking and Tarita Willis from the fishing club who both scored 140; and the Mamio Ladies,  Helena Mitchell with 140 and 134, and Puna Matatei with 140.

The Cook Islands Game Fishing Club A Team Ladies are captain Angela Charlie, co-Captain - Rebecca Hosking, Pamela Williams, Tarita Willis; other players are Frances Willis, Perina Tekoronga, and Paukore Joe.

The Mamio Flights A Team ladies are captain Helena Mitchell, Puna Matatei, June Piakura George, and Selina Maora.