Jack Spencer making his mark in darts

Stanthorpe teenager Jack Spencer is making a mark on the Queensland Junior Darts stage after grabbing top ranking following his recent success. Pictures: Contributed

It is great to see teenagers setting life and sporting goals and 16-year-old Stanthorpe darts player Jack Spencer recently achieved his goal of reaching the top ranking in Queensland after competing against juniors from across the state in the 2022 Junior Youth Open played at Logan.

Spencer, representing Zone Nine, defeated Mitchell Davies 5-1 in the final.

Competition Darts is not a game we readily identify with youth, however there is a thriving junior competition at local, state, national and international level.

The Stanthorpe teenager was exposed to darts from an early age watching his father, friends and family play darts in the family lounge room.

After showing a real interest in the game Jack, at the age of 12 was allowed to play in the regular Stanthorpe RSL comepitition.

Over the years his technique and style have undergone many changes influenced no doubt by watching professional darts on TV while developing his own unique throw.

What was just an interest changed a couple of years ago when he and his father Rod, prompted by a friend joined other members of Stanthorpe RSL Darts club and nominated for an event in Toowoomba.

The pair nominated for the father/son combination, but it was in singles where 15-year-old Jack shone. He eliminated men who had been throwing darts for years and progressed to the semi-finals of the competition.

At this point his mother Lyn realised her son could perhaps have the talent to develop and grow his interest in the Sport to something more. She contacted the Warwick Darts Club but as they were not affiliated with Darts Queensland, they were unable to help.

Only days later an Australian representative from Warwick Premier Darts travelled to Stanthorpe to speak to the teenager. This meeting opened many doors for the young man and led to weekly trips to Warwick for practice/games and dart tournaments.

Life as a 16-year-old is pretty hectic for the Year 11 Stanthorpe State High School student who has a plumbing apprenticeship, plays in the Under 17s for the Stanthorpe Gremlins and of course has darts commitments.

Over the Easter weekend Jack travelled to Gladstone where he competed in the Easter Classic and placed first in juniors for his average throw.

In August Jack Spencer will be part of a team of four who will travel to Moama in the NSW Riverina district to play in the Australian Junior Championships.

The programme includes mixed doubles as well as boys and girls singles and doubles. The final day of the event of the Championships will be the Youth Pacific Masters – a WDF ranked event. The programme also includes a State of Origin match between Darts NSW and Darts QLD.

It is not surprising that Jack Spencer’s new goal is to secure a place in the Australian team.