July 19th, 2015

Jill Macdonald: success in darts in 1983

In 1983 Jill McDonald won for the third consecutive time, South Island Women's Masters. In 1981 she won the world women's championships and four years earlier the Australasian singles title.

Jill had no strategy for success, in fact, she describes herself as a  strict Monday and Saturday night darts player.  With a family of three children, a part-time job occupying about 20 hours a week, and a new house to finish decorating, practice is not high on Jill's agenda.  She never touches a dart at home and practices only on Monday's at club night and in competitions.
The only exception to this is when Jill and her husband, Iwi, play a friendly game is immediately before New Zealand team play offs. Iwi has also represented New Zealand in the sport in 1972 and 1974. The couple often play in mixed pairs and husband and wife competitions  Born in Invercargill Jill (nee Udy) moved to Blenheim with her parents on their retirement.  She worked there for several years, and it was during this time that she both took up darts and meet her husband. Soon after her first self conscious throw, Jill was entered in the club competition as a member of the Marlborough Darts Association.  The Macdonalds moved to Invercargill 11 years ago and immediately joing Southland Darts Association, which was considered one of the strongest and largest in New Zealand.  Jill and Iwi find a great companionship in the game.
Jill said Darts is a great game to play as not only is it inexpensive and thanks to the hardworking fundraisers travelling to national and international competitions are at a nominal cost.  In 1983 Mrs Macdonald hoped to be included in the New Zealand team to travels to Scotland.  She forgave travelling to England for NZ in favour of shifting into their new home.  She confirms she does not put darts before everything and it is the family first.  Iwi is a keen golfer in the summer and she is just as happy at home enjoying her the outdoors.