Mills makes his mark at Machnynys

Cennydd Mills jumped to the front of the pack to take a one-shot lead into the third and final round of the South Wales Festival.

The former Challenge Tour player, who has been in PGA training for two years and is now based at Pyle and Kenfig, carded a six-under-par round of 66 at Machynyns Peninsular to more than make up for a disappointing opening day.

He made four birdies on the front nine, dropping his only shot at the par five third. He added birdies at the 13th, 14th and 17th in a perfect back nine of 33. He managed just one birdie during the first round, which was played over his home course.

Chris Murphy, the popular Liverpudlian and PGA Professional at Raglan Park, was one of only four players to break 70. His 69 contained five birdies and two dropped shots, a round of 69 that leaves him one shot behind the leader.

The consistent Richard Dinsdale (Parc Golf Academy) returned a three-under back nine picking up shots at the 13th, 14th and 17th after being one-over at the turn. He shares second spot.

Alistair Tresider (Sherborne) maintained his challenge with 71 and shares fourth on even-par with Russell Berry (Professional Golf Europe) and the always-dangerous Sion Bebb (Vale Hotel) whose four-under 68 was a real mixed bag. He made eight birdies and four bogeys, two at par fives including the last.

Toby Hunt (St Mellons), the surprise packet who shared the overnight lead, remains in contention after a level par 72. He is joined in joint seventh place by Martin Stimson who shot 69.

They are just three shots off the lead and Stimson will be on home ground on the final day at Ashburnham, viewed as the most difficult of the three links courses being played.