Lee roars ahead in the Masters at Dudsbury

Lee Thompson signalled his intentions over his home course by making an eagle two on the driveable 350-yard downhill opening hole on the first day of the 36-hole Dudsbury Masters.

Although he dropped a shot at the par three second played over water, the early starter settled down to take a two-shot lead going into the final day.

His first birdie came at the third and he plotted his way carefully with six successive pars in chilly windy conditions to turn in two-under 33.

Birdies followed at the tenth, 12^th and 18^th as he signed for a five-under-par 66 that was never threatened.

Ashburnham club professional Martin Stimson, who has not played regional golf since the Cornish Festival, could have been closer but for a double bogey seven at the tenth in an otherwise impressive round.

Birdies at the first, second, fifth and eighth helped him to an outward nine of 31. He knuckled down again after the tenth and followed another dropped shot at the par-three 11^th with further birdies at the 12^th, 13^th and 17^th for 68.

James Ruth (China Fleet), who acclimatised with a fine showing in the pro-am, produced the best score in the late marquee group. Two dropped shots and birdies at the eighth, tenth, 12^th and 18^th placed him third on two-under 69.

Paul Hendriksen (Dinnaton), fresh from winning the Titleist & Footjoy PGA Professional Championship at Burnham & Berrow, was two over at the turn but picked up shots at the 10^th, 15^th and 17^th for a one-over 72. Ashley Mansell (Clevedon), the third member, shot 73.

Young Thurlestone assistant Jack Wallace shares fourth with Ross Langdon (South Cerney) on 70 as the only other players below par.

Hendriksen, who gained his first Order of Merit win two years ago at Dudsbury, remains a challenger. He shares sixth with Joe Ferguson (Celtic Manor) and Grant Slater (Trevose).

Home course specialist Mark Wiggett and past winner Andy Beal (Salisbury & South Wilts) are among a group of seven players lurking on one-over 72 and still in with a chance.