Le Ber leads the GB title charge

GUERNSEY bowlers enjoyed their day in the sun in Belfast yesterday, reaching the finals of three British Isles championships.

When play resumes at the Belmont club today they are hoping to lift three titles.

To have qualified for three out of five finals against the Best of British is all the more remarkable because Matt Le Ber had to drop out of the fours and junior singles events.

With Wes Baker subbing in the fours, and Gary Pitschou taking over the skip's duties, the Guernsey quartet chalked up fantastic wins over the Scottish champions, 25-9, and the champions of the host country, 24-12.

Baker was available as a substitute only because he missed out on playing in the island fours championship last year - because he was called to India with his work as an accountant.

Substitutes have to be drawn from the same club, and must not have already competed in the same event, so it was lucky that Baker was not 'cup-tied'.

'It's the first time I've played at this level and I've enjoyed every minute of it,' said Baker, whose wife, Sophie, is from Belfast.

Garry Collins was outstanding at lead for the Guernsey four, while the reliable Len Le Ber gave good support at third man.