Hunter and Herd locked in battle
JOHN Hunter and Neil Herd are locked together at the top of the Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League ahead of next week’s potential title showdown.
Ten-time champion Hunter will be looking to outflank Herd (pictured) when the pair meet at Salisbury Snooker Club on Thursday.
League leader Hunter (Andover) knocked in a 53 break in a 4-1 victory over Gary Hart (Porton), who contributed a 38.
But Herd (Frome) drew level after gaining an extra point in a 5-0 whitewash of John Rice (Fordingbridge).
Rice, who also lost 5-0 to Hunter earlier in the season but went down 4-1 in his other four matches, said: “I was disappointed not to get my normal one frame.
“But congratulations to Neil. He potted well with a fantastic safety game.”
Anthony Rice (Fordingbridge) replaced David Rice in third place after overcoming his brother 4-1.
David, 22, said: “He played awesome.”
Anthony, 19, said: “I’ve said before, it’s always tough playing against a family member and this match was no exception.
“I had a 40 in the first and he went on to steal it on the black. I picked myself up and brushed off the frustration to win the next four.
“In general my scoring was heavier than his and I knocked in a few key balls that made the difference. He’s a much improved player on some good form so I’m delighted with the result.”
Simon Peacock started well against Richard Arnold and The Tornado from Winterbourne Gunner blew strongly to quickly lead 2-0.
After Peacock made it 3-0, Arnold rallied, finished the stronger and dragged the result back to a respectable 3-2.
Neil Carroll (Rownhams) laid the required two snookers on the pink to take a 2-1 lead against Steve Ashton but lost 3-2.
And Paul Burt (Britford) “managing to get over the winning line” in a fifth-frame decider after being 2-0 up against Stuart Dreyer.
Results: Simon Peacock 3 Richard Arnold 2, Paul Burt 3 Stuart Dreyer 2, Anthony Rice 4 David Rice 1, Neil Herd 5 John Rice 0, John Hunter 4 Gary Hart 1, Steve Ashton 3 Neil Carroll 2.
Highest break: John Hunter 72
| Played | Won | Lost | For | Against | Points | |
| John Hunter | 6 | 6 | 0 | 23 | 7 | 29 |
| Neil Herd | 6 | 5 | 1 | 24 | 6 | 29 |
| Anthony Rice | 6 | 5 | 1 | 19 | 11 | 24 |
| Steve Ashton | 6 | 4 | 2 | 18 | 12 | 22 |
| David Rice | 6 | 4 | 2 | 17 | 13 | 21 |
| Simon Peacock | 6 | 4 | 2 | 17 | 13 | 21 |
| Neil Carroll | 6 | 3 | 3 | 16 | 14 | 19 |
| Paul Burt | 6 | 2 | 4 | 14 | 16 | 16 |
| Stuart Dreyer | 6 | 1 | 5 | 11 | 19 | 12 |
| Gary Hart | 6 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 21 | 10 |
| Richard Arnold | 6 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 22 | 9 |
| John Rice | 6 | 0 | 6 | 4 | 26 | 4 |
Picture by Tim Dunkley
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Tim Dunkley (World Snooker coach)