Hunter secures seventh South Wilts title

ANDOVER cueman John Hunter has wrapped up his seventh Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League title.

And runner-up Gary Hart graciously accepted defeat after Hunter won his two games in hand at Salisbury Snooker Club.

Hart, from Porton, said: “I realise there is little chance of me beating John over five frames unless I play really well and he doesn’t.

“So if I get one or two frames from him I feel it’s an achievement because he doesn’t give much away and you have to fight for every point.”

Hunter, who turned 47 last month, finished the season with a ten-point cushion after accounting for Neil Carroll (Southampton) 5-0 and Martin Hill (Durrington) 4-1.

He said: “I would like to congratulate Martin on managing to put up with my good running, which I always seem to get against him, to win a great final frame where he made a very cool clearance to the pink to win.

“I’d also like to congratulate Richard Arnold (Salisbury) for making the league’s highest break (64).

“I can’t think of the number of time I’ve been nearing his break only to have a big twitch and miss. I’m looking forward to giving him a trophy.”

Hunter added that he is already “excited” that Neil Herd, a regular on the Pro-Am circuit and a recognised century breaker, is considering joining the league next season.

“Neil’s made 100 breaks in Cuestars competitions so he will be a very good addition to the league,” said the newly-crowned champion.

John Hunter 5 Neil Carroll 0, Martin Hill 1 John Hunter 4.

Highest break: Richard Arnold 64.