Dearden’s narrow lead at Oake Manor

Matt Dearden (Llantrisant and Pontyclun) produced the form that earned the region’s Order of Merit title two years ago to lead after the first day of the 36-hole West Order of Merit Total Triumph Classic at Oake Manor.

His five-under-par 65 left five players just one shot behind going into today’s final round over the maturing Somerset course near Taunton that has staged the tournament for six years.

Dearden, whose playing opportunities have been limited since he became a club professional, never looked back after he dropped a shot at the par three fourth hole. Birdies at the eighth, 11th, 15th and 16th were followed by an eagle at the 17th.

But he will have to remain at his best to fend off a strong challenge today. European Seniors Tour winner George Ryall warmed up for the start of this season’s 10-event programme with a faultless opening round of four-under-par 66 containing four birdies and no dropped shots.

The 55-year-old touring player from Bristol’s Players Club shared second with Giuseppe Licata (Bristol Golf Centre), who has just won the Gloucester and Somerset PGA Order of Merit, Cennydd Mills (Pyle and Kenfig), Russ Berry from Cheltenham and Celtic Manor’s Joe Ferguson.

Paul Hendriksen (Dinnaton), Paul Jones (Canford Magna) and, ominously, Enmore Park’s David Dixon, winner of the opening OOM event the Saunton Classic who has swamped all opposition this season, are only one shot further back. Defending champion and OOM last year’s winner Liam Bond (Marriott St Pierre) is in a cluster of seven players on two-under-par.

Three-time European Tour winner Phillip Price, back for the first time in the region where he started his career, picked up three shots in the final two holes, and is one of 26 players under par who are all capable of a concerted challenge today.

For the final 18 holes the leading 40 players accompany a field of 80 amateurs who are competing in their own event in a unique contest. They include defending champion Matt Kippen (Enmore Park).