Wilson claims second junior league title

But while Wilson was smiling all the way home to Portsmouth, Joyce was left to reflect on the bizarre turn of events that he may laugh about – in ten years’ time.

“Mickey’s done really well and he was really unlucky,” said the newly-crowned champion. “He just didn’t have the run of the balls.”

Indeed. The Cuestars Bronze Tour pair were level on points going into the final, tension-packed round of matches at Chandler’s Ford Snooker Club.

Joyce, with an inferior frames difference, interrupted a family holiday in Bognor Regis and drew first blood by edging Wilson in a must-win game on the final black.

Remarkably, the Basingstoke lad lost his next two frames – again on the final blacks – to Connor Benzey and third-placed Luke Beebe.

And Wilson, who first won the trophy at the age of eight, beat Beebe and Benzey.

The new Under-13 League starts at 9am on Saturday, March 9. For more details, ring the club on 02380 254834. At least one World Snooker qualified coach attends all sessions.

Picture by Tim Dunkley: Eastleigh & District Under-13 League winners, from left: Billy Naismith (Division 2), Jamie Wilson (Premier), Steven Hughes (Division 1).