BOTTOM-of-the-table John Rice has broken his duck in the Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League with a 4-1 victory over Richard Arnold.

Talking of the victory at Salisbury Snooker Club, Rice said: "Richard was unlucky but it was a relief to win my first match in the league.”

At the other end of the table, 10 time champion John Hunter extended his lead at the top to seven points with three matches remaining.

The 50-year-old Andover cueman insisted “old bones take longer to get going” after recovering from losing the first frame of a 4-1 victory over Stuart Dreyer.

Steve Ashton retained fifth place despite suffering a brace of 3-2 defeats against Simon Peacock (Winterbourne Gunner) and David Rice (Fordingbridge).

Peacock said: “I was very pleased to win as I have struggled this year with lack of practice and Steve is a very tough opponent to beat.”

Neil Herd’s title challenge faded further following a 5-0 whitewash by Anthony Rice, who compiled breaks of 41, 57 and 67.

Rice was beaten 3-2 by Gary Hart (Porton) in a rearranged game.

And Paul Burt (Britford) won the first three frames of a 3-2 victory over Neil Carroll (Rownhams).

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

Highest break: John Hunter 89