Z game lifts Burt to fifth

BRITFORD cueman Paul Burt “battled back with his Z game” to climb to joint fifth in the Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League.

Trailing 2-1 to Alex Thorn (Shrewton) at Salisbury Snooker Club, Burt compiled a 33 break to square the re-arranged match and then edged a scrappy decider.

“It was an enjoyable game,” said the 52-year-old. “Alex took a 2-1 lead but I battled back with my Z game.”

Burt was then denied fifth place outright after losing 4-1 to the “sharper matchplay” of second-placed Richard Swaffield (Salisbury).

But it was more like a point dropped than five gained for title hopeful Swaffield as league leader John Hunter extended his advantage to three points with two to play.

Hunter (Andover) made a 61 break but downplayed his 5-0 win against Martin Hill (Durrington).

“We both missed easy balls and gave loads of chances,” he said.

Elsewhere, Steve Ashton said Richard Arnold “potted well” to win 3-2.

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

Report by Tim Dunkley.