Double blow for Ashton

THERE was a double set-back for Steve Ashton (pictured) after a great start to the new Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League.

The joint leader after the first week’s action fired in the highest break of the campaign – but witnessed it being eclipsed minutes later. And he dropped one place in the table.

The 54-year-old produced a 71 clearance in the first frame of a 4-1 victory over Stuart Dreyer at Salisbury Snooker Club.

Dreyer said: “I had my chances to improve the scoreline but failed to capitalise on those chances.”

Ashton then wandered across the club to watch ten-time champion John Hunter knock in a 72 in a 5-0 whitewash of John Rice, who reckoned he was “blinded by the headlights”.

Meanwhile, Neil Herd, who was forced to pull out of the league last season after breaking his collarbone in four places in a snowboarding accident, has taken over top spot following a 5-0 win over Richard Arnold.

Herd compiled two 61 breaks and Arnold missed the green to take the fifth frame.

The Rice brothers both battled back from 2-0 down to prevail 3-2. David beat Simon Peacock but described his opponent’s long potting as being “on another level”.

Peacock, The Tornado from Winterbourne Gunner, said: “David was an inspiration and played absolutely brilliant when he was 2-0 behind. It was great to see such fight and determination.”

And Anthony “somehow managed to scrap my way through the next three frames to steal” a win bonus from Paul Burt.

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

Highest break: John Hunter 72

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By Tim Dunkley (World Snooker coach)