Champion Danny two shots off pace

DANNY BLONDEL has made a steady start to the defence of his L'Ancresse Club strokeplay championship.

In testing breezes on Saturday, the big-hitter (pictured) returned a gross 74 to trail Steve Mahy and Danny Bisson by a couple of shots ahead of next Saturday's closing 18 holes.

Also lurking dangerously in joint second is Jack Mitchell, who shot a 73, and a further shot back is Andy Eggo, who might have wished he'd stayed in bed when he bogeyed the first four holes.

He also bogeyed the last but in between he played some solid and spirited golf and, with a couple of birdies along the way, is in good shape to make a strong challenge next week.

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