THE race for the Premier title was surrounded by mystery, intrigue and the merest hint of deception.

But was it deliberate or a misunderstanding?

Chandlers Ford Central Club B went into their final match with a two-point lead over Hythe Club A.

And their 6-4 home victory over Hamble Club A meant Hythe needed to beat Ashlett Club A 9-1 to clinch the title by one frame.

So Graham Hollick phoned the Waterside club at about 10.45pm, straight after the match on Monday, April 23.

“I asked the person who answered the phone, could she tell me how their snooker team got on,” recalled Hollick. “I never told her who was asking and she never asked.

“About a minute later she came back and said that Warren (Renyard, I presume) had said they won 9-1.

“I told everyone the bad news. But then we all thought runners-up in the Premier with our team was one hell of a season - so it was not all bad.”

However, an investigation by the Daily Echo’s snooker page, revealed that Hythe won 7-3.

“Flipping heck,” declared Alan Hamilton, when the Echo contacted the Chandlers Ford captain nine days later and revealed they were champions by one frame. “They must have been pulling his leg.”

“I will be having words with Mr Renyard when I see him,” laughed Hollick. “I think he owes us all a beer for putting us through nearly two weeks of agony.”

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