Mavericks defend handy half time lead

Darts by Tutu Wynn

JOSEPH Kiri’s 2NZ Mavericks converted a 6-3 first-half lead to an 8-7 fulltime victory over Nigel Higham’s Roseland in Gisborne club darts this week.

Mavericks’ mid-pairing of their captain Joe Kiri and his son Hadyn won three from three. The first was against their Roseland counterparts, Wayne Morrell and Morris McDonald; the second, against Mike Jones and John Kingsbeer at point; and the third against anchor-pair Winston Wanoa and Higham.

They were well supported by the husband-and-wife point-guard duo of Joe’s brother Cris and wife Tania Kiri, who took a brace to make it five. Then the Mavericks’ teen-wonder sisters, Monique and Denise Renata, scored a single win to make it six at halftime.

Mike Jones and John Kingsbeer — at point for the Roseland — secured two wins, while their anchor-pair of Wanoa and Higham pegged a third.

Strong words at half timeThere must have been some strong words from Higham at half time. Roseland could only afford to lose one single.

Regrettably for the Roseland, point-man Mikey Jones was pipped 2-1 by a determined Cris Kiri.

Tania Kiri put up a sterling challenge against the experienced John Kingsbeer before succumbing in a third-leg decider.

Mavericks skipper Joseph Kiri needed to step up. His quite capable opponent Morrell had to do the same. The on-fire Kiri hammered home the match-deciding eighth leg, much to the delight and relief of his whanau.

Roseland’s lower order of McDonald, Wanoa and Higham took the final three wins to give the hosts some respectability.

If one were to choose a player of the match, it would be the Mavericks captain. Having played a significant role in half of his team’s eight points and scoring the most 100-plus scores, including a triple-treble 174, Joe Kiri led by example.

Recognition should also go to big brother Cris Kiri, a player who never shirks when it comes to supporting the whole team.