Coming unstuck: Paul Merrien was fancied to win on his home green at Delancey, but lost to Nigel Collins. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0623281)

MATT LE BER is hoping it will be a case of third time lucky when he takes on fellow Vale Rec man Nigel Collins in next month’s island singles bowls championship final.

Le Ber, twice beaten by Gary Pitschou in recent Elliott Trophy singles showdowns, overcame initially stern resistance from GBC member Steve Machon to win 21-14 at Delancey Park on Saturday and book his place in the final.

Le Ber trailed 10-7 at one stage, but then won a succession of ends to take a grip on the semi-final which he never looked like surrendering in the closing ends.

Earlier on a chilly afternoon up on the park more befitting March than August, Collins overcame the shock of dropping four on the opening end to beat NBA hopeful Paul Merrien 21-14.