CHORLEY golf ace Nick Dougherty is continuing to put a poor 2006 season behind him after leading at the midway stage of the New Zealand Open.

The 24-year-old fired five birdies in a flawless second round 66 to share the lead at Gulf Harbour Country Club.

Dougherty, a former student at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, is on seven under along with Australian Wade Ormsby, one shot ahead of home favourite and 2005 US Open Champion Michael Campbell in third place.

Starting on the 10th tee, Dougherty had to wait until his eighth hole to record his first birdie.

But that set him off on a fine run which saw him claim five birdies in six holes.

"I have got a little bit of work to do on my swing, but all in all I played well," said Dougherty, a former professional at Chorley's Shaw Hill Golf Club.

"I have played nicely the last couple of days but I certainly wouldn't say I'm playing my best.

"I'm trying to relax and I don't really care. I play my best when I do that."

Dougherty is showing encouraging signs that his form is picking up after a disappointing year on the European Tour.

Last week, he led after the first round of the MasterCard Masters, at Huntingale Golf Course in Melbourne, Australia, before finishing tied for 39th.

While Campbell and Dougherty where lauded for their respective second day scores of 65 and 66, it was Ormsby who took most of the plaudits for his stunning eight under par 63.

After an opening day one-over 72, Ormsby sparked on the greens with a round that included only 22 putts, including nine birdies in a course-record 63.

"I did some work on my putting and they started flowing in," Ormsby said. "I think I am turning the corner. If you putt well you can do anything."

Campbell also had an impressive round and drew level with the leaders but dropped a shot at the last.

The New Zealander, who carded a mediocre 71 on the opening day, carded five birdies and an eagle to move to six under.

"It was a fun day even if it was a bit disappointing to bogey the last," Campbell said.

"I knew the only thing holding me back was my putting.

"I was in a bubble and that is a nice feeling as a player. Nothing was going to stop me."

Ireland's Peter Lawrie is well placed on four under after a flawless 66 and is in a group containing English duo Andrew Raitt and Shaun Webster.