Slender lead for Thorpe and Randall
04/10/2013
Andrew Thorpe and Adrian Randall beat the weather to lead by a single point after the opening round of the Ingrebourne Links PGA Autumn Classic at Aldeburgh.
The duo were among the early starters, signing for two-under-par during a round which ended just before the wind and rain began to make low scoring difficult.
Thorpe (Peterborough Milton) and Randall, who has a handicap of five, will now hope they can make the most of their slim advantage in the second round at Thorpeness.
They are one point ahead of three pairs that include PGA East Region chairman Lee Fickling of Bush Hill Park and nine-handicap amateur Neil Vann.
The other two pairs on the tails of the leaders are Alex Beckett of Barnham Broom and 14-handicap Simon Gill together with Rafael Lopez (unattached) and 11-handicap Tony Knight.
The tournament is still wide open with 17 pairs within four shots of the lead. Thorpeness head professional Frank Hill and club member Michael Crabtree are well placed make a charge on their home course after a level-par opening round.
Last year’s joint winners are both struggling in their efforts for a repeat success. Murray White of Penfold Park and three-handicap Justin Saunders are five shots off the pace tied in 18th place. Mark Allen of Eaton and 10-handicap former Norfolk county cricketer Dave Thomas are seven shots behind tied in 24th place.
