SCOTT HENRY SETS PACE AT EDWARD TROPHY


FROM NICK RODGER
Scott Henry leads by five shots heading into the closing 36-holes of the Edward Trophy, the second counting event on the SGU order of merit, at Glasgow Gailes.

The former Scottish strokeplay champion from Cardross strung together opening day rounds of 70 and 68 over the Ayrshire links for a six-under aggregate of 138 and a healthy advantage over Alyth's Kevin McAlpine.

McAlpine, the current national strokeplay title-holder, opened his campaign with a 71 and a 72 to head the chasing pack while former Amateur champion Craig Watson, joint second in the event last season, forms part of a five-way tie for third place on 144 after a 73 and a 71.

Defending champion Matthew Clark of Kilmacolm, who also captured the Scottish Mid-Amateur championship during the 2007 season, shaved eight shots off his crippling first round 80 with a battling 72 to survive the halfway cut on a 152.

Bryan Fotheringham from Forres had to retire with a swollen knee. He went to a hospitial in Kilmarnock but was told to come back when swelling had gone down! It's a long way from Forres to Kilmarnock.

LEADING SECOND-ROUND TOTALS
Par 144 (2 x 72)
138 S Henry (Cardross) 70 68.
143 K McAlpine (Alyth) 71 72.
144 G Paterson (St Andrews New) 73 71, P McLean (Peterhead) 75 69, G Dear (Murrayshall) 73 71, S McEwan (Caprington) 72 72, C Watson (East Renfrewshire) 73 71.
145 G Gorrie (Glasgow) 71 74.
146 B Edmond (Bon Accord) 72 74, A McLachlan (Bonnyton) 76 70