LANCASHIRE player John Grimshaw cashed in on local knowledge to lead the qualifying round of the Harold Ryden East Lancs GA Championship over his home course, Darwen.

On a day of prolific scoring, Mike Bardi of Mytton Fold equalled the course record with a six-under-par 63 in the second round. This left him on 133, a shot behind Grimshaw, champion two years ago, and in second qualifying spot.

Gary Philipson of Darwen was third on 137, then came Tony Jackson of Blackburn 137, last year's runner-up Gary Morton (Rossendale) 138, Mike Bailey (Clitheroe) 138, 1994 runner-up Tony Flanagan (Blackburn) 139, and 1993 winner Andy Samuels (Burnley) 140.

Gary Hindle of Great Harwood, five times winner of the event, missed out on the final qualifying position on a card countback.

"We thought that scores would be a lot higher in the second round but they in fact came down," said ELGA secretary Peter Duerden.

"It was a tremendous day of golf, probably the best in the 29-year history of the championship."

Draw for this evening's quarter finals: Grimshaw v Samuels (5.15pm), Bailey v Philipson (5.30), Morton v Jackson (5.45), Flanagan v Bardi (6.00).

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