Ben's late birdie blitz forces tie

Ben Mason came up on the rails to force a three-way tie in the PGA North Brough Classic Pro-am.

The former European Tour player, who coaches at Waterfront Golf in Rotherham, conjured up five birdies in the last seven holes for a best-of-tournament 63.

Tagged to his opening 70, Mason posted a three-under-par aggregate matched by John Mellor, another ex-Tour player, who is based at North Yorkshire club The Oaks, and the irrepressible David Shacklady from Mossock Hall.

Overnight Andrew Barnett, from Pennant Park in North Wales, who aced the third in an opening round of 64, signed off with a 72 to share ninth place.