Bebb leads at the links

West Order of Merit champion Sion Bebb is poised to claim the North Devon Links title after two impressive rounds as he continues to end the season in style.

The Morlais Castle club professional took a four-shot lead into the final round at Saunton’s championship East course after a battling two-under-par 70 at Royal North Devin followed by four-under 67 over the West course at Saunton.

He said: “I am happy with my score after two rounds but the East is the hardest of the three courses so I will be concentrating on hitting fairways and greens again.

“That means using my two-iron a lot to stay out of the rough where possible. The secret is to keep a big score off my card.”

He cut loose on the back nine in the second round with five birdies in six holes from the 12^th until making his fourth bogey at the oar three last.

His team jumped into a tie for third place thanks to a fantastic start by former Gwent county player Chris Dinsdale who sunk a four-iron for an eagle at the first and a three-iron for an albatross two at the third.

First round leader Ed Goodwin (Cirencester) failed to maintain his form on a windy day. After an outstanding four-under-par 68 at RND he slipped back to a share of ninth after 76.

Newquay’s Chris Gill is Bebb’s closest challenger while David Dixon (Enmore Park) and links-specialist and occasional player Mike Wilson (RND) share third five shots behind.

Matt Cort (Beedle Lakes), winner last year and again in the Cornish Festival season-opener in April, has been suffering from an elbow problem but is playing in deference to his team.

After a disappointing opening round he recovered with an impressive 67 to help his team into second spot two shots behind Chippenham’s Louis Boston