Sands Sneaks Ahead - 18/05/2008

CHRIS SANDS established a one-shot lead after the second day of The Mortgage Group Classic at The Bristol Golf Club after a course-record equalling six-under-par 64.

The Surrenda-Link backed player hit seven birdies and a bogey and was five-under-par after the front nine.

Oliver Whitely (Special Steel Group) raced up the field with a 65 to share second place with Mark Smith of Erewash Valley.

Whitely had been on the verge of pulling out of the event with a bad back, but recovered sufficiently to score four birdies, a bogey and an eagle despite being unable to use his driver.

Smith meanwhile followed up his opening round of 67 with a 65 which included six birdies and no bogeys until the final two holes - when he dropped a shot at both.

Six golfers are a further shot behind on seven-under-par with the cut made at level par leaving 57 golfers in the field for the final day.