By David Nagel
The penultimate round of the South West Gippsland Dart League (SWGDL) lived up to all expectations with the top-two teams providing a thrilling prelude to this season’s finals series.
While all five games were ultra-competitive, it was the clash between ladder-leaders Just Social and second-placed Snipers that attracted most attention in round 17.
Undefeated all season, Just Social had to fight furiously on its home board at the Kooweerup Hotel to hold off Snipers in an 8-7 classic.
The quality of both teams was on show throughout, with Jamie Wolff from Just Social becoming the first player to throw four 180’s for the season.
Aaron, from Snipers, threw nine tons throughout the evening, while his teammate Dean threw seven to take his tally to a remarkable 117 tons for the season.
Just Social have consistent players across the board, but seven tons from Terry kept their noses in front of their main challengers for this season’s title…which now appears up for grabs!
While the top-two teams were locking horns, third-placed Warriors rubber-stamped their finals credentials with a 9-6 victory over fourth-placed Paky One.
The Warriors bounced back from last week’s 10-5 loss to Just Social with an impressive performance, and will take confidence into their crucial round-18 clash with Snipers.
The winner earns second place and an all-important double-chance in the upcoming finals series.
In other games this week, Rebels held off Mud Rats in a hard-fought 8-7 victory, while Wizards played well in a 10-5 win over Bullseyes.
And Gembrook jumped from ninth to eighth on the ladder with a 10-5 triumph over bottom-placed Fore.
Spectators are most welcome to attend the Tuesday-night matches in the SWGDL, with games beginning at 7.30pm at the home of darts – the Cardinia Club in Pakenham.
SWGDL
RESULTS – ROUND 17
Just Social 8 v Snipers 7, Warriors 9 v Paky One 6, Wizards 10 v Bullseyes 5, Gembrook 10 v Fore 5, Rebels 8 v Mud Rats 7.
LADDER
Just Social 68, Snipers 56, Warriors 56, Paky One 44, Wizards 28, Rebels 28, Bullseyes 24, Gembrook 16, Mud Rats 16, Fore 4.
FIXTURE – ROUND 18
Rebels (6) v Paky One (4), Snipers (2) v Warriors (3), Mud Rats (9) v Fore (10), Gembrook (8) v Wizards (5), Bullseyes (7) v Just Social (1).
MOST TONS – TOP FIVE
Dean 117, Aaron 90, Terry 82, Tim 70, Jay 63.
180’s
Jamie W (4), Dean (3), Dale (2), Troy, Tony, Glenn, Thom, Terry, Damo, Shane, Will, Noel, Wayne and Terry.
100+ PEG OUTS
129 – Anthony (Warriors), Dean (Snipers), 122 – Thom (Rebels), 114 – Jamie W (Just Social), 110 – Paul (Paky One).
