Blondel's 67 leads the way

THE stage is set for a cracking opening evening of the inaugural Ravenscroft Guernsey Open Matchplay today.

Saturday's 18-hole strokeplay qualifier at La Grande Mare saw Guernsey and Channel Islands regular Jamie Blondel shoot the lowest round of the day to secure his place in the main draw - and what a draw he got.

Blondel will be facing his island teammate and La Grande Mare's best player, Dave Jeffery, in the pick of the first round ties tonight after the L'Ancresse man posted a 67 early on in the qualifying round.

His round started solidly enough with two pars to open up with, but then a double on the third was followed by a bogey on the next to leave Blondel three over through fourth.

However, he steadied the ship impressively, completing the front nine with four more pars and a birdie three at the tricky eighth.