Winning start. Snooker player Nathan Williams. Staff picture by HERBIE FATHERLY. DA5694.SALISBURY'S rising snooker star Nathan Williams enjoyed a dream start to his international career helping England under 19s to a comfortable 58-50 frame victory in their friendly against Wales in Llanelli, writes Jonathan Reeve.

The 17-year-old was made captain of the team on his debut and he certainly led by example, winning four of his six matches over a busy weekend.

Each of the six team members played four games on Saturday and another two on Sunday.

Williams, who has recently turned professional, was the only player to win both his final day matches and it was the victory in his second Sunday match that put the tie beyond the hosts.

The former Stonehenge School pupil chalked up impressive breaks of 71 and 76 in a solid performance, winning 12 frames and losing just six.

"It was overwhelming to be made captain - I didn't expect it," said the teenager who, earlier this year, joined an illustrious list of stars, including Steve Davis and Ronnie O'Sull-ivan, to have won the prestigious Pontins Stars of the Future tournament.

"The manager called us in before the match and said that because I'd had such a brilliant end of season he was making me captain. I was really pleased. It was quite an honour, and I'm glad I lived up to the standard," he added.

After helping see off the Welsh, Williams says he is confident of retaining his place for the next English outing, in a British tournament in September.

"This was a good win, so hopefully I'll be picked again next time," he said.