Sheppard and Hardie set the pace

Simon Sheppard (pictured), head professional at Bishop’s Stortford and his five-handicap amateur partner Andy Hardie made a great start to the Marston's Beer Company Summer Classic at Royal Cromer.

They scored 45 points on the first day of Greensomes Stableford. They have opened up a three point lead over Ian Ellis (Costessey Park) and four-handicap amateur Brad Smith before the second round of better ball at Sheringham.

Ben Cooper of Bishop’s Stortford with his father Stephen are third with 41 points. Handily placed with 40 points are Paul Wilby and Suffolk county player Chris Vince, Lee Patterson of Royal Cromer and Rick Taylor, Ryan Pudney of Mundesley with Chris Hills and George Howard of Brampton Park with Carlo Infanti.

After the disappointment of fog at Royal Cromer in May that caused the cancellation of the second day of the first Virgin Atlantic Order of Merit event, the club’s 125th anniversary championship, the weather was kind with one of the warmest days of the year.

Ellis was the winner of the corresponding event a year ago, but this time he has a different amateur partner. Sheppard and Hardie were tied 11th a year ago.