Another record for Shane Castle

MARCHWOOD sensation Shane Castle has been crowned the youngest ever Eastleigh & District Under-18 champion – aged nine!

Shane Castle - champion at nine

Dubbed the wonderkid, Castle left league organisers searching the record books as he won the 27th league with two weeks to spare.

His progress has not gone unnoticed as Ronnie O'Sullivan's former coach Del Hill said: “I’ve heard good things about young Shane, but to win an under-18 scratch event is unbelievable. What a great prospect.”

Castle finished runner-up in last year’s Pontin’s national under-12 ‘Search for a Star’ tournament. He also won through the EASB Under-14 Southern qualifier and travels to Leeds in March to compete in the last-16.

Last season, Castle finished runner-up to cousin Billy with whom he first started playing - aged seven. He is sponsored by Andover-based insurance brokers Oliver and Sanders.

Under the guidance of Chandler’s Ford’s Dave Mumford, the pint-sized potter has continued to write his own record book.

Coach Mumford said: “Of all the things that Shane has achieved this year, I think winning an under-18 scratch competition has to be the best.” 

Delighted dad Jeffery said: “I’m very happy that Shane has won the Under-18 League, he is playing very well at such a young age.”

Lee Roling, 17, announced his retirement from the league as he clinched second place ahead of Daniel Woods. Alex Merriman sealed top spot in Division 1. Ben Lawrence won Division 2 and Joe North claimed the Division 3 title.

By Tim Dunkley and Jack Hyom

Picture by Kevin Legg