Robinson in cruise control

Paul Robinson is in firm control after firing a one-under-par 70 at the P&H Championship at The Renaissance Club.

An eagle three at the long third and birdies at the long seventh, 10th, and long 13th in halves of 35 (one under par) and 35 (par) gave the Lars pro a 36-hole aggregate of seven-under-par 135.

Lurking should he falter is David Orr (Eastwood), runner-up to Robert Arnott (Bishopbriggs) in last year's inaugural tournament at Dundonald Links.

He had a 70 for 138 after  a good start with birdies at the second, third and fifth

Sharing third place on 139 - four shots behind Robinson - are Greg McBain (Paul Lawrie Golf Centre), Paul Wardell (North Berwick) and Stephen Gray (Hayston).

McBain had the best score of the day,  a four-under 67 of which the highlights was an eagle three at the par-5 16.

Earlier the Aberdonian birdied the fifth, sixth and seventh in two-under 34 to the turn. He came home in two-under 33. 

Wardell added a steady one-under 70 to his opening 69 while Gray had two birdies and two bogeys in a par 71, three shots worse than his first-round effort. 

McBain's stablemate at the Paul Lawrie Golf Centre,  Greig Hutcheon virtually snuffed out his title hopes with a triple bogey 7 at the eight on his way to a 73 for 144.

The  cut to the leading 40 and ties fell at six-over-par 148.

Defending champion Robert Arnott (Bishopbriggs) made it with two shots to spare but a 76 for 146 puts him out of contention. 

Graham Fox (Clydeway Golf) surprisingly slipped back with a 75 for 145.

At least Graham will be playing in the final round. Stablemate Paul O'Hara missed the limit mark by seven shots with rounds of 79 and 76 for 155.