Niue Darts Team successful campaign in the Kingdom of Tonga

The Niue Darts team who left the island last week for the 3rd South Pacific Darts Championships held in Nuku’alofa Tonga, was expected to return on a charter flight to Niue today. But Niue Darts Association President Dempster Tomailuga this morning told BCN News that the team will not be arriving as anticipated today. 

Dempster told BCN News that the aircraft they arrived in Tonga with last Monday had experienced a fault and was under review. Team Niue was only informed last night at their farewell dinner by the airline that the aircraft had a broken engine and the team would not be able to return back home today. 

Dempster said that the team are hoping to take the air New Zealand flight from Tonga to New Zealand this evening, otherwise early morning tomorrow once confirmed.  

He told BCN News that some of the supporters who travelled with them to Tonga last week will continue to relay in Tonga and will fly to New Zealand on Friday in time for the flight to Niue the following day (NZ Time).

Nevertheless, the team will bringing home a successful total of 17 medals. 9 silver medals from the ladies team and 8 bronze medals from the mens team.

For the overall placings for the ladies, first place gold went to the Cook Islands, second place to Niue, third place went to Tonga and coming in fourth place was Vanuatu. 

For the mens placings, first place also went to the Cook Islands, second place to Tonga, third place to  Niue, fourth to Vanuatu and coming in fifth was Fiji. 

According to Niue Darts Association Treasurer Narita Viliamu-Tahega, “Niue Men’s Team came out strong to fight for Bronze. After losing to Vanuatu on their day 1, they came back 10 times stronger to secure a medal.” 

“Niue Ladies stayed strong from the beginning of the tournament until the game with Cook Islands which was a huge challenge for both Niue and Cook islands. Went into the finals with 5 all scores, and Cook Islands sealed it and Niue came 2nd.”

“Both Teams from Niue played so well and fought for a medal,” said Narita. 

Individual achievements were also recognised for the team where Seini Vakanofiti was awarded the individual achievement for the most 180s and for the Best Average of the Ladies. 

Niue Darts Association President Dempster Tomailuga said he is very thankful and happy for both the Niue mens and womens teams for their achievements. He extends his greatest appreciation for all the support for the team. 

Congratulations Niue Darts for a successful campaign in the Kingdom of Tonga.