Four share first at Murcar Links

Three professionals and one amateur tied for first place on level-par 69 in the North-East Alliance fixture at Murcar Links.

David Law, above, and Jordan Findlay (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre), Lee Vannet (Carnoustie Links) and Greg Watson (+1) all hit the winter par mark of 69 in cold, wet and misty conditions.

For Northern Open champion Law his win was a third on the circuit. He birdied four holes, including the 18^th with a 12ft putt, which he rated the highlight of his round because it meant the endurance test was over.

"It was a bit of a grind in the worst weather I've played golf in for a long time," said Law who is off to Turkey on Sunday for two German PGA Tour events.

Findlay, putting well, had three birdies, including a two at the short 12^th, no mean feat in the conditions. He hit a seven-iron to within 15ft of the flagstick.

Vannet chipped in from off the green at the par-four seventh for the second of four birdies. Watson dropped fewer shots than his pro rivals - only two bogeys - and birdied the ninth and 18^th.