Executives go head to head

MATT LE BER is a great example of a young player giving something back to the sport he loves. Guernsey Bowls Association chief executive Garry Collins said Le Ber's commitment to a sport was rarely matched by someone as young as his 19-year-old assistant.

The chief exec and Le Ber will stage a re-run of last year's GBA open knockout final tonight, with Collins, 23, after revenge for his defeat last year.

Then, assistant turned boss as he beat Collins 21 shots to 20 by firing his last bowl at a bear jack, winning the game after a good battle in the final.

Collins said things would be different this year: 'I expect to show who's boss,' he joked.

Le Ber has a big weekend coming up as he is playing in four events: the singles, under-25 singles, pairs and fours.

The competition is the qualifier for the British Isles next year in Ireland and the Channel Island finals on 5 September in Jersey.

Le Ber also faces Gary Pitschou, the two-year defending champion in the main Elliott singles - the winner will also be invited to the champion of champions in New Zealand in November next year.

'The association does not expect any player to bowl in more than three in any one day; therefore Matt and I will play our singles on Friday, setting the example for all other bowlers,' said Collins, who took over as chief executive last year.

He is also team manager and a selector.

Although Le Ber also enjoys football, his passion is the game he took up in 1997.

The trainee trust administrator explained what he wanted to get out of bowls: 'I want to go further afield and play better players and hope to go to the Commonwealth Games.'

A wish backed by Collins, who, said Le Ber, is the one to watch this weekend.

'I would certainly like to see him play there.'

Le Ber, whose father Len, also plays, was the GBA Young Player of the Year in 1997 and has since notched up an impressive list of titles, including 2003 island fours winner and island under-25 singles winner.

Collins said the knockout finals promised some excellent bowling and that all spectators were welcome. Food is also being provided.

The action starts at 6pm today at Vale Rec Bowls Club, Corbet Field, with tomorrow's matches scheduled for 10am, 2pm and 4pm.