Knocking on the backdoor of the Premier

Woolston Social Club D are fifth from bottom in snooker Division 1. Heady days indeed for the former Aerostructures team that won Division 7 twice within three seasons: in 2000 while at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club and in 2002 (by Christmas) at their present home.

More silverware followed in 2003, as Division 4 runners-up, and 2005, as Division 3 champions.

But now down to a bare five, the team believe they are punching above their weight.

“We’d be struggling with six or seven,” insisted Butler, who joined the side 14 years ago.

“Trying to get three of us to put a decent game together on the same night is difficult. We’ve had a few good seasons - not many of late.”

And even when there is success to report, circumstances contrive to wipe it out.

Teammate Dave Bannister compiled a 53 break, his highest since a 62 at Botley Institute six years ago.

“I was made up with that,” he said. “But then I found out someone from Romsey Comrades had knocked in a 63 on the same night.

“I saw it in the paper the following week.”

“(Making big breaks) doesn’t happen that often any more. I don’t really practise that much. But the focus was there and it just seemed to come together. You think ‘how did that happen?’”

But the last word must go to the remarkable Steve Wyatt, who fell out of a three-storey window as a four-year-old and landed on his head.

Still partially paralysed down his left side, Steve Wyatt can’t make a conventional bridge hand.

“Some nights are better than others,” he said. “You get over it.”

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