A TEENAGER has ended a run of 18 straight defeats in the Cuestars South Wilts Snooker League.

Rock-bottom Ally Pollard was rewarded for his perseverance with a 3-2 victory over Martin Hill (Durrington) at Salisbury Snooker Club.

The 18-year-old from Alderholt, who compiled a 31 break in the match, had previously only won seven of his 90 frames in two seasons since making his league debut in 2013.

“It’s a great feeling to get a win under my belt,” he said.

“I would be lying if I said the defeats didn’t hurt but I’ve just tried to keep a positive outlook knowing that I’ve still got years of the game ahead of me and each match, whether I lose or win, will serve me well for the future.”

Earlier, Pollard had been demolished 5-0 in 90 minutes by Neil Herd (Frome, Somerset), who recorded breaks of 67, 45, 36, 33 and 30.

Herd then added a 55 in a 4-1 win against Alex Thorn (Shrewton).

Anthony Rice (Fordingbridge) also beat Thorn 4-1 to leave him with “a small glimmer of hope” of securing fourth place.

The 18-year-old, who will win the highest-placed under-21 award, then went down 3-2 to Richard Swaffield (Salisbury).

With one game left, Swaffield has taken top spot by one point but second-placed John Hunter (Andover) has a game in hand.