Class act hits the front

JOHN Hunter was hailed a “class act” by his teenage opponent after firing in the highest break of the Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League season.

The defending champion opened up a two-point lead at the top with a 5-0 victory over Ally Pollard (Alderholt, near Fordingbridge) at Salisbury Snooker Club.

Hunter (Andover) took the first frame on the brown and missed a thin cut on a red on 97 in the third.

Pollard said: “(During the first frame) I could tell he hadn’t got going but it was good to have one frame that was close against a class act.

“The rest of the frames where not close – especially the third.”

The 17-year-old added: “I have never played John before so it was great to finally play him.

“It’s great to play someone with such experience who can still play at a top level. His safety and break building were top class.”

Hunter, 47, said: “I would like to compliment Allistair on his conduct and the spirit in which he played.

“I really felt he was enjoying the game and watching carefully the shots I played.

“I’m hopeful the experience will be a positive one for him and his game will improve further for it.”

Meanwhile, Adam Guyatt was “disappointed” to miss the chance to stay in touch with league leader Hunter.

The 23-year-old from Salisbury led James Bolton (Amesbury) 3-0 following breaks of 45 and 67 but he missed the blue off its spot in the fourth frame.

Bolton, 19, who leads the race for the under-21 title, cleared the last three colours and comfortably won the fifth.

Kaine Petty (Fordingbridge) needed a snooker in the one frame he salvaged from a 4-1 defeat by Paul Burt (Britford).

And Steve Ashton (Salisbury) whitewashed 15-year-old Callum McDonald (Bishopdown) 5-0, although the teenager had chances in four of the frames.

Results: John Hunter 5 Ally Pollard 0, Kaine Petty 1 Paul Burt 4, Adam Guyatt 3 James Bolton 2, Steve Ashton 5 Callum McDonald 0.