IT WAS a magic moment that a 12-year-old snooker player from Wiltshire had been dreaming about for 15 months.

Riley Ellis proudly held aloft his first winner’s trophy on the Cuestars South of England Under-21 Bronze Tour after his success in the fifth leg.

It was journey that the young potter from Lyneham had embarked upon following an article in the Swindon Advertiser in May, 2015.

The story was spotted online by Southampton-based World Snooker coach Tim Dunkley, who contacted the newspaper and invited Ellis to compete on the Cuestars circuit.

Playing in his 13th tournament, Ellis edged home player Adam Cowdroy 2-1 in the final at Greenbaize Snooker Club, Bournemouth.

First-time finalist Cowdroy took the opening frame, went in-off the black in the next but was chasing snookers on the blue in the decider.

Ellis had knocked out travelling companion and rankings leader Shane Kearns 2-1 in the last-four after topping his five-man round-robin group.

He said: “I was really impressed that I managed to overcome some good players.

“Before I even came here, I wanted to win. It was hard work but definitely worth it “It was really important (beating Kearns) because it’s been my target for a long time. I always lose to him but today I overcame that.”

Ellis, who is based at Jesters Snooker Club, Swindon, along with Kearns, climbed to second place in the rankings following the event.

Dunkley said: “I’ve been working towards this moment with Riley for 18 months.

“All the hard work and heartache that has gone before was worth it.

“It takes courage to be able to cross the winning line for the first time. It’s a step into the unknown for most of the lads. But I was thrilled to watch him take that step in Bournemouth.

“Julian and Jackie, his dad and mum, must be bursting with pride.”