BURNLEY'S Martin Dillon made it third time lucky when he won the St Helens Star Masters Crown Green Championship.

The 26-year-old computer programmer beat Wigan's Ronnie Belshaw to collect the coveted prize.

Martin, a member of the St Andrew's Club, made the competition's semi-final when he first entered two years ago. But last year bowed out at the first round stage.

He was in dominant form throughout Saturday's finals night at the Gerard Arms, Dentons Green.

His first game saw him up against former champion Paul Gartside (British Plate).

Paul, one of three finalists who had been in action in the St Helens Bowling League's Coxhead Trophy Finals earlier

in a baking hot day, was up against it from the off. And Dillon raced home 21-17.

The second semi-final saw Dillon see off the challenge of Wigan's Ian Rutter, who had earlier beaten Coxhead winner Terry Kelly.

In the other semi Wiganer Ronnie Belshaw defeated Stuart Lomax.

And in a gripping final Dillon, who had shown consistent accuracy all night edged through 21-18.

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