Burt runs Hunter close in South Wilts League

PAUL Burt kicked off the 13th season of the Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League with the highest break of the first week’s action.

The 54-year-old from Britford fired in a 53 in a 3-2 defeat by ten-time and defending champion John Hunter at Salisbury Snooker Club.

Hunter (Andover) said: “I was pleased to scrape a win as Paul played his best match against me.”

Simon Peacock (Winterbourne Gunner) tripped himself up in the second frame of his match against Anthony Rice (Fordingbridge) but recovered to make a run of 49 in the next.

Rice, who ran out a 3-2 winner, said: “I managed to contain the laughter and won the frame at that visit.

“It was not the most exciting match but the first one of the season is never easy.”

After a three-year competitive lay-off, Gary Hart (Porton) won the first frame on his return against Richard Arnold (Salisbury) but lost 3-2.

David Rice (Fordingbridge) chalked up a 45 clearance in the second frame of his 3-2 victory over Neil Carroll (Rownhams).

“I played quite well against a decent opponent,” he said.

Neil Herd (Frome) welcomed Stuart Dreyer (Salisbury) back to the league with runs of 39, 39, 37 and 30 in a 4-1 win.

And although Steve Ashton (Salisbury) said there was “nothing exciting to report” after overcoming new boy John Rice (Fordingbridge) 4-1, he may be excited to hear that he and Herd are joint top of the league.

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

Highest break: Paul Burt 53

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