Hillbillies, the boss hogs

– Paul Pickering
THE fairytale is over for South West Gippsland Darts League debutants, the Boss Hoggs.
The Pakenham-based side fell at the final hurdle in last Tuesday night’s grand final against the Pine Grove Hillbillies, going down 7-4.
The title looked to be within the Hoggs’ grasp when they jumped out to a 3-1 lead early in the trebles, but the more experienced Hillbillies came roaring back to win the next three rubbers.
Trevor Umpire was the only Hoggs player to claim a victory during the singles round as Hillbillies Mark Pratt, Brent Baker and Nick Calderwood closed the contest out in style. The winning outfit, based out of Upper Beaconsfield’s Pine Grove Hotel, included captain Shane Worrell, Daryl Mentiplay, Marty Byrne and Dion Heatherington.
Meanwhile, the Hoggs outfit, which finished one win clear on top of the ladder after the home and away season, comprised Umpire, skipper Gerard Mitchell, Tim Berryman, John McCarthy, Troy Thomas, Daniel Towt, Gary Falls and Randall Mitchell.
And, despite last week’s loss, the Hoggs – borne out of a regular garage get-together between mates – hailed the season as a resounding success.
“We had a big crowd there, about 30 people – the families and all our supporters by the busload,” Mitchell said. “(The fairytale) wasn’t to be, but it was a great effort for our first year. We led 3-1 and nearly had it, but they smashed us in the singles.”
Mitchell was keen to encourage other groups of social dart players to throw their hat into the ring next season, which begins in February.
Anyone interested in fielding a team in the South West Gippsland Darts League should call Shane Worrell on 0418 522 179.