Frampton Stewart Trophy Returns - And Remains in Australian Hands (11-3)

The Frampton-Stewart Trophy made its long-awaited return on October 21, 2023, at the Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club in New South Wales. This event marked the revival of the prestigious trans-Tasman team contest between Australia and New Zealand, a competition last held in 2019. Representing the pinnacle of team darts in the Oceania region, the 2023 edition featured the top eight players from each country, battling it out over a best-of-14 sets format.
Australia emerged victorious with a commanding 11–3 win, continuing their dominance in the competition's history. The match was contested across a variety of singles and pairs matchups, showcasing depth and balance within the Australian side. Under the leadership of debutant captain Daniel Sim, the Australians consistently outperformed their New Zealand counterparts, both in scoring consistency and finishing accuracy. The Australian team was composed of the leading players from the DPA Order of Merit, all of whom contributed to a comprehensive team performance.
New Zealand, though well represented by experienced competitors including Josh Walters, Stu Irwin, and Alan Skayman, struggled to match the Australians' momentum. Their three set victories were hard-earned, with each win highlighting individual moments of brilliance but not enough to halt the Australian momentum. Despite the overall result, the Kiwi team displayed resilience and patches of high-quality darts, giving their supporters reason for optimism in future editions.
Several matches stood out on the day. In one of the closely contested sets, Josh Walters demonstrated clinical finishing under pressure to secure a win for New Zealand. Stu Irwin, another New Zealand standout, showed flashes of the form that has made him a key figure in DPNZ events, managing to grab a set amidst a strong Australian run. Alan Skayman also delivered a vital point for the visitors, steadying his nerves in a high-stakes leg decider.
On the Australian side, performances were consistent across the board. The team’s cohesion and balanced contributions were evident as players rotated through singles and pairs combinations seamlessly. The host nation’s dominance was not only reflected in the scoreline but also in their ability to close out matches in key moments. Notably, their success across pairs matches highlighted their strategic approach and chemistry.
In the context of the Frampton-Stewart Trophy’s legacy, the 2023 result reinforced Australia’s historical supremacy in the event. In 2019, the last time the trophy was contested, Australia had secured a 42–13 win. The 2023 edition, though closer in score due to the revised format, still underscored their command over the fixture.
Overall, the return of the Frampton-Stewart Trophy in 2023 was a celebration of elite darts in the region, drawing attention back to the long-standing rivalry between the two nations. With Australia lifting the trophy once again, and New Zealand vowing to rebuild and return stronger, the event has set the stage for even more competitive clashes in the years to come.

​Australia:
Daniel Sim (Captain) Brandon Weening Harley Kemp Jeremy Fagg Joe Comito James Bailey Gordon Mathers Rob Modra​

New Zealand:
Josh Walters Stu Irwin Alan Skayman Mark Cleaver Hipirini Te Whaakaara Haunui Hira Kayden Milne Jaymie Hilton-Jones