ANDOVER’S pool team defied expectations and an elite field of opposition to finish runners-up at one of the country’s most prestigious tournaments.

After qualifying as Hampshire champions, a team of nine travelled to Great Yarmouth for a weekend competing in the Interleague finals.

Led by captain Richard Swaffield, they got off to a fast start, beating Great Yarmouth B, before losing to six-times champions Trent Trophies.

That left a must-win third match, where Sean Curtis potted the winning black to secure a place in the knock-out stages.

Andover saw off Lancaster A to progress to day two, where they were forced to fightback from a losing position to beat Lake District side, Kendall B.

They took that momentum into the last 16 and soon opened up an impressive 8-1 lead against Peterborough A, eventually winning 10-6.

A quarter-final against a side from Northampton followed and the good form continued.

Three quick wins on the threetable format soon gave Andover a lead. Wayne Noon calmly added another two frames to his name before another match-winning clearance from Carter.

Andover then got their revenge over Trent Trophies in the semifinal, beating them 10-5 to secure a championship game against Mickey Flynns.

Unfortunately for Andover their incredible run was put to an end by the Cambridgeshire side, led by former World Champion Phil Harrison, who ran out deserved 10-5 winners.

Despite the loss the spirit amongst the Andover team was one of great achievement and pride for reaching the final.