McNicoll leads by two at halfway

Gullane's Keir McNicoll won't be counting his chickens yet but a five-under-par 65 at Hayston for a halfway lead in the Hayston/Cawder Order of Merit Challenge is a strong position in which to be.

Son of a former pro footballer, Dave McNicoll of Dunfermline Athletic, Keir will be kicking himself that he did not get back to the clubhouse without dropping a shot.

He bogeyed Hayston's 17th when a par there would have seen him end the day three shots clear - and thatwould have proved difficult for Messrs Arnott, Hutcheon and Brown, to name but McNicoll's three closest rivals, to overcome.

McNicoll's 65 was highlighted by an eagle three at the long second, followed by birdies at the third, seventh, 11th and 15th. 

Of the trio on 67, Graeme Brown (Montrose Links) had the most birdies (six) but also the most bogeys (three).

Greig Hutcheon (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre) had five birdies but two late bogeys, both at short holes, the 15^th and 18^th.

Robert Arnott (Bishopbriggs) had "only" four birdies but he dropped only one shot, 

If Chris Kelly, joint fifth on 68, starts the second round the way he finished the first then McNicoll may have most to fear from him. Kelly birdied the 14^th, 16^th, 17^th and 18^th.