Anthony Rice claims South Wilts runner-up spot

ANTHONY Rice has claimed the runner-up spot behind 11-time champion John Hunter in the Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League.

The 20-year-old from Fordingbridge recorded his highest every finish with a 3-2 victory over Neil Carroll (Rownhams) at Salisbury Snooker Club.

Rice, who recently gained promotion to the national under-21 circuit, said: “It was relatively difficult for both of us to get motivated as neither of us had much to play for.

“I knew I only needed one frame to secure second place and it almost felt as though my part in the match was complete when I stole the first frame with a 25 clearance.

“Neil is always a tough player to play against and he always plays to a good standard so I was pleased with the win.”

Reflecting on the season, he added: “I’m pleased with the results I’ve had. I would like to try and steal it away from John at some point over the next few years though.”

Neil Herd (Frome) beat Steve Ashton 3-2 from 2-1 down in the battle for third place.

David Rice (Fordingbridge) described his performance in a 3-2 defeat by Stuart Dreyer as “absolute pathetic”.

Dreyer, rather diplomatically, added: “To be fair to Dave, he did not play to his full potential.”

In fact, Dreyer wrapped up the season with back-to-back wins. He overcame Gary Hart (Porton) 4-1 but said: “I was pleased to win the match but the score line was a bit unfair to Gary.”

Simon Peacock took two frames off Hunter (Andover) to end the campaign on a high.

Speaking after the 3-2 defeat, The Tornado from Winterbourne Gunner said: “John had the edge in a great match that I really enjoyed. I ended the season playing much better snooker and I’m looking forward to next season.”

David Rice said decent long potting and the run of the balls helped him whitewash Richard Arnold 5-0.

And Paul Burt (Britford) saw off John Rice (Fordingbridge) 4-1 in “an enjoyable match with not much quality”.

Results: Stuart Dreyer 3 David Rice 2, Neil Herd 3 Steve Ashton 2, John Hunter 3 Simon Peacock 2, Paul Burt 4 John Rice 1, David Rice 5 Richard Arnold 0, Anthony Rice 3 Neil Carroll 2, Stuart Dreyer 4 Gary Hart 1.

Highest break: John Hunter 89

	P	W	L	F	A	Pts
John Hunter	11	11	0	43	12	54
Anthony Rice	11	9	2	38	17	47
Neil Herd	11	8	3	36	19	44
David Rice	11	7	4	32	23	39
Steve Ashton	11	6	5	32	23	38
Simon Peacock	11	6	5	29	26	35
Neil Carroll	11	5	6	29	26	34
Paul Burt	11	6	5	27	28	33
Stuart Dreyer	11	4	7	23	32	27
Gary Hart	11	2	9	17	38	19
John Rice	11	1	10	13	42	14
Richard Arnold	11	1	10	11	44	12

Have you got any snooker news?

It doesn’t have to be from a Cuestars tournament. E-mail me details or contact me via Facebook and you could be on the Cuestars website and in your local newspaper. E-mail: [email protected]

Tim Dunkley (World Snooker coach)