After opening with a Clandeboye course record (60) on day one, it’s no surprise that Simon Thornton was unable to match such heady heights in his second round, but in a case of ‘what a difference a day makes’, he recorded a one-over par 72 on day two and now finds himself in second place.
Thornton, who was unstoppable on day one, was immediately brought back down to earth on his first hole in the second round where a double bogey left him with an uphill battle to replicate the miracles of the day before.
Looking to recoup those dropped shots, he did recover with birdies on the 11th and 14th, but a final hole bogey dropped him back to one-over for the day, one shot off the pace now being set by England’s Joe Brooks.
Brooks posted a second round 65 (-6) with three birdies on the front and three on the back to go bogey-free and post an 11-under total after his opening day 66.
Meanwhile, Stuart Grehan added a 67 to his opening 69 and is in T6 position on six-under with Luke Donnelly on five-under in T14. Neil O’Briain, Nathan McCann and Dylan Brophy complete the Irish contingent that made the cut, all squeezing in on the even par mark.
Thornton remains one stroke clear of Mitch Waite at nine-under and three clear of Curtis Knipes and James Allan who are at seven-under. Waite of Filton Golf Club is on a hot streak of late and signed a 66 (-5) going out in 31 with four birdies and he recovered on the back nine after two bogies on the bounce with three birdies to complete his round.
Chelmsford Golf Club can be very happy with their two touring pros on day two. Both Knipes and Allan moving into contention with rounds of 67 and 65 respectively. Knipes coming in for 29 including an eagle at 15 whilst Allan went out in 29.
Five are five back from the lead at five-under: Callum Farr (Trinifold Sports), David Langley (Trinifold Sports), Ben Amor (Marlborough Golf Club), Jamie Dick (AT Golf Coaching), and Stuart Grehan. Langley signed for a 68 for the second day in a row. Meanwhile, Amor came in for 67 two better than yesterday to be in the mix, and Dick put down an impressive 66 (-5) coming in for 30 with birdies at 15, 16, 17, and 18. Farr was one under to keep pace at the top end.
John Henry (Clydebank & District Golf Club), Hugo Dobson (Woodbridge Golf Club), and Jack Doherty (Rowallan Castle Golf Club) sit at five under par. Henry’s round is notable for not only being five under for the day but for his caddy being 12-year-old Hary O’Hara who plays his golf at Clandeboye Golf Club. O’Hara hit the first tee shot of the tournament yesterday morning and plays off five.
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