Gnarled campaigner Arnold opens in style
GNARLED campaigner Richard Arnold welcomed 13-year-old Callum McDonald to the Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League with kind words and a lesson in matchplay.
The 49-year-old compiled breaks of 44 and 64 in a 5-0 whitewash in the season opener at Salisbury Snooker Club.
Understandably, McDonald started nervously but soon settled down and potted some good balls.
Arnold said: “Callum acquitted himself well throughout.
“He will no doubt benefit from the battles ahead during a season of matches against the older collection of gnarled campaigners.”
Meanwhile, Gary Hart (Porton) “managed to scrape through” 3-2 against Alex Thorn (Shrewton).
Thorn jawed a quarter-ball blue for the match in the decider and Hart snapped up the last three colours.
“That one shot cost me the match,” said Thorn. “It was difficult to take – but I’ll bounce back.”
Defending champion John Hunter (Andover) sportingly called a foul on himself in his third frame against Nick Bevan.
Bevan, who was trailing 2-0, said: “I was able to snatch the frame by clearing the final three colours from an awkward position.”
Hunter wrapped up a 4-1 win with a 50 break.
Neil Carroll (Southampton) posted a 36 break in his 4-1 defeat by Steve Ashton (Salisbury), who contributed a 30.
And Martin Hill (Durrington), back in the league after a five-year break, lost 3-2 to Paul Burt (Britford).
Results: Richard Arnold 5 Callum McDonald 0, Gary Hart 3 Alex Thorn 2, Neil Carroll 1 Steve Ashton 4, Nick Bevan 1 John Hunter 4, Paul Burt 3 Martin Hill 2.