Swaffield: Don’t write me off yet

A DEFIANT Richard Swaffield (pictured) warned “don’t write me off yet” after losing the first of three key games that will shape the Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League title race.

Defending champion and league leader John Hunter said his 3-2 victory at Salisbury Snooker Club “was a fitting memory to Graham Lee”.

Trailing 2-1 and by more than 20 points in the fourth frame, the Andover cueman pulled out a 103 – his second century this season – and then won the decider.

“It was the toughest match I’ve had in the South Wilts,” said Hunter. “Richard played brilliant match snooker and at 2-1 down I was facing my first defeat.

“The hard nature of the encounter was a fitting memory to Graham Lee as he was the last player locally to put me under as much pressure as Richard did.”

But Swaffield, now three points adrift in third place, responded: “There are still plenty of matches left to play so don’t write me off yet. I’m still going for the title.”

Meanwhile, Neil Herd moved to within one point of Hunter after overcoming Trevor Pittman 4-1.

Herd (Frome, Somerset) plays Hunter on March 12 and Swaffield on April 23, the final day of the season.

Anthony Rice (Fordingbridge), the favourite for the under-21 title, beat Richard Arnold 4-1 from 1-0 down.

The 17-year-old wrapped by the fifth frame with a run of 45, the first 20-plus break of a scrappy match.

“I was extremely disappointed with my safety throughout the match but I just potted a few more key balls than Richard,” he said.

Steve Ashton appeared to be coasting to victory against Paul Burt (Britford) following a 70 break to take a 2-0 lead.

Ashton eventually pinched the deciding frame on the black after “hanging on” as his opponent played some great safety.

Results: Callum McDonald 0 Martin Hill 5, John Hunter 3 Richard Swaffield 2, Neil Herd 4 Trevor Pittman 1, Steve Ashton 3 Paul Burt 2, Anthony Rice 4 Richard Arnold 1, Alex Thorn P Ally Pollard P.

Report by Tim Dunkley.