For years the game of darts would not be considered a serious sport because it was confined to the pubs and clubs of Australia.
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Fast forward to the 2000s and the sport has evolved into a highly skilful and professional code, attracting broad live television appeal and a new breed of champions.
Caught up in the new wave of participants is a team of darts enthusiasts from Port Stephens, who have developed a love and respect for the game and a competitive streak that is producing remarkable results.
Players Gary Sheen, Andrew Walker, Chris Fisher, Byron Price, Kyle Menchin, David Bills, Michael Harris and Shane Markham have all been part of the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club's A-grade darts team that has enjoyed unprecedented success in the Maitland district competition and at state level.
The Terrace club, in fact, has four darts teams contesting both A- and B-grade competitions in the Maitland competition.
The Terrace Jets took out the 2019 NSW State fours titles played in Forster over the June long weekend.
The team has also won the past four major Maitland A-grade competitions and is currently four points clear in the 2019 winter league ladder.
Price, the current A-grade men's singles champion and a keen cricketer, says he took up darts initially to fill in the winter months while waiting for the cricket summer to come around.
"But darts soon become my top priority," the 32-year-old from Raymond Terrace said.
"Winning the state title against some of the best dart throwers in NSW was quite a thrill for us."
The team managed to win 11 from its 12 matches over the three days in a dominant performance.
The victory also demonstrated to the players that, with more dedicated training and competition at the higher level, they could compete successfully on the professional tour.
"But to compete on the national, or even the world stage, sponsorship is crucial," Price said.
"We are fortunate to have the backing and support of the Raymond Terrace Bowling Club but there is no doubt we would require more significant sponsors to come on board in order to give players the opportunity to compete with the best.
"The majority of players on the national tour are sponsored."
Businesses interested in offering their support can contact Chris Fisher at Raymond Terrace Bowling Club for details.