Interstation Darts
Many people often wonder and ask what we do to keep ourselves amused in Antarctica on the weekends and when we’re not at work. There are many hobbies and activities such as going on trips away, tinkering in the workshop, playing music and games, doing a puzzle, exercising in the gym, tending to hydroponics, or watching a movie or your favourite sporting team. There is perhaps one activity that stands above all others and has earnt it’s place in Australian Antarctic folklore. That is the humble game of darts.
Whilst many may be familiar with the game of ‘501’, down south we play our very own game of ‘Antarctic Shang’. It has been passed on from cohort to cohort, station to station. A test of skill and endurance where one great trip to the Ocre (throw line) can turn a game on it’s head, and a darting enthusiast into a living legend. The game is based on the darts game of ‘cricket’ but with a few extra objectives such as including the numbers 12, 13 and 14, doubles, triples and beds (all 3 darts in the same number). Of course, the greatest addition is that of a ‘Shang’ (or Shanghai for the purists), where hitting a single, a double and a triple of the same number with your three darts will see you not only earning a bonus 100 points for your team, but the rapture and cheers off all of those in the bar will fill you with pride and joy that will both warm your heart, and etch a memory to be cherished for a lifetime. Don’t forget to add your name or update your tally on the ‘Shang’ board so that the rest of station who missed the moment can also wallow in your greatness.
Life on station can sometimes feel like a bubble. Your own little world where nothing exists beyond the icy plateau and the frozen ocean. But there comes a month in winter when through the wonders of modern technology the horizon expands, and the other Australian stations become targets for you to showcase your immeasurable talents. Puppets in a masterful game, who are happily taken on a merry dance, their strings being tugged and pulled for the entertainment of the masses. That is the crescendo that is ‘Interstation Darts’.
The 2025 Casey darts team started just like every Australian Antarctic darts team. A couple of returnee enthusiasts that had flown to great heights before, surrounded by a flock of eager novices, keen to learn and hone their skills with the lure of fame and bright lights an ever-calling presence. Deep down everyone knew that only the those with the sharpest tips, the steadiest hands, the grit and determination to spend countless hour in the bar, and the will and desire to become one with the dart, would make the final cut to represent the station on the grandest stage.
As the hours of practice began to culminate, it was clear that Casey had built a team that would be a force to be reckoned with. When a Shang that was thrown was once a triumph of a peak conquered, became nothing more than a stepping stone on the journey, the message in the tea leaves was all revealing. This group had a destiny to fulfil.
The first hurdle was Macquarie Island. A group recently arrived on station and brimming with enthusiasm and excitement. Ready to embrace all that their sub Antarctic journey had to offer. Or so they thought…
Haydn and Goody were selected as Casey’s openers. Calm, finely tuned, and masters of their talents. A rapid fire three Shangs between them and Macca was left wondering what they had walked into.
390 – 75, 1-0 Casey.
Lee and Gus were next to take the stage, the master and the apprentice. If the first game had been a walkover, the news was only about to get worse for Macca here. Another two Shangs for good measure.
540 – 90, 2-0 Casey
By now Macca were already thinking of where they needed to improve for the following week. Nick and Brad thought it only fair to give them a little reminder.
259 – 69, 3-0 Casey
The fire now well and truly lit within the Casey faithful. Back to training to keep the momentum going for another keenly anticipated matchup against traditional rivals Davis the following week. With a school of thought in the air that Davis may not be the powerhouse of the past, the idea was floated to mix up the Casey team to provide a chance for a few new faces to get a taste for the action. As the week unfolded captain and coach went to the selection table to discuss the options at greater length. The path was clear, the goal was set. Aiming for and accepting anything less that a 9-0 series whitewash would be unacceptable and a disservice to the group. The Casey line-up to remain unchanged.
With Haydn and Goody now full of confidence and ready to lead the team out, the Casey disciples knew the story before it was even written. Another Shang, why not. Would Davis be able to recover after this? I doubt it.
621 – 68, 1-0 Casey
Lee and Gus smelt blood in the water, and circled in for the kill. Davis lucky to escape with a few points on the board. Another week of darts in the bag.
357 – 50, 2-0 Casey
A dead rubber perhaps, but it seemed that Davis had saved it’s best for last. A chef v chef battle that kept the crowd on the edge of their seat. Well, for a while at least. A Casey chef Shang special and that was all she wrote.
308 – 147, 3-0 Casey
So far so good, the story was running to it’s script. But the toughest challenge was still yet to come. Little sibling Mawson had been chipping away in the background. Also displacing both Davis and Macca comfortably. It would all come down to this. A battle of the two undefeated stations. Who would be raising the cup when all is said and done? After visiting Casey during resupply on their voyage south, some of the Mawson team had been given a sneak preview of the Casey juggernauts training regime in action. Had they taken note? Was this the slight upper hand that they needed? The mind games started early in the week. Chippie vs Chippie eager to strike the first psychological blow. When Mawson managed to hijack the Casey message board it felt like they had landed the first punch. Even the station leaders were throwing jabs. If it was less talk, more action they were after, then it was action they would get….
The Final
The crowd at both stations was hyped, the teams well prepared.
Haydn and Goody knew what had to be done. They’d done it before, and we knew they’d do it again. More Shangs to be had, amongst plenty of pain for Mawson. What was anticipated as a tight contest was quickly turning into a farce. Casey’s dynamic duo doing what they do best... Dominating.
842-193, Casey 1-0
A best of three contest, it wasn’t in the bag just yet. Lee and Gus had a target on their back. Would Mawson strike back, or would their shot fly wide? A tighter tussle prevailed, but Casey was never truly challenged in a tense decider that Casey led start to finish. When the final dart landed, the crowd erupted. The series done and dusted.
265-140, Casey 2-0
With one match remaining there was still plenty to play for. Casey’s dreams of an undefeated run still on the line. Mawson although defeated, were eager to claw back some pride. Nick and Brad working together and trading blows against a Mawson combination that wouldn’t go quietly. Until that is, another Shang for the chef to break Mawsons spirit and set up an unassailable lead. A clutch bed to close it out and the sweep was complete.
495-328, Casey 3-0
A memorable year of Interstation darts for both the Casey darts team and the station faithful. Hundreds of hours of hard work, more than 1200 practice game Shangs, many penalty laps of the pool table to stay sharp and focused, and a legion of adoring fans.
We did it Casey, 9-0! May the Shangs be with you.
Lee Mason
Engineering Services Supervisor
