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 Shrewton’s Alex Thorn at Salisbury Snooker Club, Burt compiled a 33 break to square the re-arranged match before edging a scrappy decider.

"Alex took a 2-1 lead but I battled back with my z-game," said the 52-year-old.

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

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.

Eight-time champion Hunter made a 61 break during his match against Durrington’s Martin Hill but downplayed his 5-0 win.

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

Elsewhere, Richard Arnold potted well to secure an edgy 3-2 win against Steve Ashton.

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.