BEING thrashed by a teenager in a challenge match the previous day concentrated the mind of the Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League leader.

It spurred John Hunter to beat title rival Neil Herd 4-1 and record the highest break of the season at Salisbury Snooker Club.

The 50-year-old ten-time champion from Andover had lost 4-2 to 15-year-old Steven Hughes in the latest of a series of fortnightly challenge matches against the top juniors from Chandler’s Ford SC .

“Getting bashed up by Steven the day before did wonders,” admitted Hunter.

“It made sure I got to the club early and put in an hour’s practice on the table I played Neil on.

“While he struggled until he won the fourth frame, I played OK, making an important clearance of 31 to get to 3-0 and secure the bonus point.

“I really enjoyed the 89 in the final frame as it was reward for the practice I put in.”

Hunter leads Herd by four points with four games to play.

Meanwhile, third-placed Neil Carroll (Rownhams) warmed up for the southern qualifier for the 2017 World Seniors Championship at The Crucible Sports & Social Club, Newbury, with a 5-0 drubbing of Simon Peacock (Winterbourne Gunner).

Carroll said: “I had a 51 break… and Simon had a bit of a nightmare.”

John Rice (Fordingbridge) picked up his best result of the season, a 3-2 defeat by Stuart Dreyer.

Dreyer said: “I played OK in the three frames I won. John managed to win the scrappy frames. Well done to him.”

And Richard Arnold (Salisbury) missed the black for a 2-0 lead against Paul Burt (Britford), won the next frame but lost 3-2.

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

Highest break: John Hunter 89