THREE new faces have signed up to a popular snooker league.

The Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League, founded in 2005 in memory of former Durrington professional Graham Lee, who died suddenly in 2004 at the age of 44, restarts on Thursday.

Newcomers Neil Herd, Richard Swaffield and Anthony Rice join the familiar eight players for the five-month scratch league at Salisbury Snooker Club.

Swaffield is one of Lee’s former teammates and practice partner who is a multi-century breaker from Salisbury, plying his trade on the IPA Pool Tour for four years.

He said: “I’m now still playing pool but missing the snooker so I thought I would try and get back into it.

“Also, as it’s ten years since Graham sadly passed away, I thought it would be nice to play in this league again and see how I get on.”

Teenager Rice has been installed as favourite to claim the award for the highest-placed under-21 player.

The 17-year-old from Fordingbridge, who first picked up a cue aged seven, only started playing regularly three years ago when he joined his dad’s league team, which he now captains.

Earlier this month, he won the Cuestars South of England Under-21 Gold Tour leg in Swindon.

Completing the 11-strong field for the 11th season are: eight-time and defending champion John Hunter (Andover), Ally Pollard (Alderholt), Alex Thorn (Shrewton), Callum McDonald (Bishopdown), Martin Hill (Durrington) and Trevor Pittman, Richard Arnold and Steve Ashton from Salisbury.

The matches will take place on alternate Thursdays.

Facts about Cuestars:

  • All matches are played off scratch and consist of five frames. One point is awarded for each frame won with a bonus point for the winner.
  • Eleven players are competing in this, the 11th season, for the Graham Lee Memorial Trophy.
  • The highest placed youngster will be crowned South Wilts U21 Champion.