Eggleston makes the early running

Luke Eggleston notched six birdies as he sped to a two-shot lead at the end of the first day of the Weston Homes plc Royal Cromer Classic.

He shot a fine five-under-par 67 and found himself ahead of James Taverner and Richard Webb, with a quartet a further stroke back on two-under.

The Loughton-based PGA professional began with a bogey at the opening hole at the North Norfolk course.  

But that proved to be the sole blip of his round and he bounced back with four birdies in the next five holes.

Eggleston also mounted a strong finish, picking up further shots at the 15th and 17th to establish himself at the front of the field.

Taverner (Hendon) had been the early leader, returning a blemish-free card of 69. All three of his birdies arrived inside the opening seven holes.

Alongside Taverner at the half-way stage is Webb (Tilsworth Golf Centre) who enjoyed a decent finish to his round, birdieing both the 16th and 17th.

Play resumes at 7.30am on the second day with Eggleston, Taverner and Webb the last trio out at 12.50pm.