Mansell in charge at Burnham

Ashley Mansell led for the second time in four Order of Merit events after a first round four-under-par 67 in the West Region Championship at Burnham and Berrow.

The highlight for the Clevedon assistant was holing a 104-yard sand wedge shot for an eagle two at the tenth after covering the opening nine in two-under with birdies at the third, fourth and seventh.

"These were the easiest, flat and calm conditions I have ever experience on the course," said Mansell, who finished tied for 11th place at the Galvin Green PGA Assistants' Championship.

"These were the easiest flat and calm conditions I have ever experienced on the course. I played well, drove the ball solidly and managed to get round despite a couple of schoolboy errors.

"I led in the Total Triumph, but lost a play-off, so hope I can hang in there. I would be happy with anything under par in the second round and hopefully I can handle the situation and stay ahead."

The second round of the 36-hole championship remains wide open with a total of 20 players breaking par at Burnham and Berrow.

There are unfamiliar names pressing with part-time player James Lee (Lansdown), Tour winner Scott Drummond and newcomer Alex Higgs (Stinchcombe Hill) lurking one shot behind.

Home touring player George Ryall (Burnham & Berrow), Barry Austin (Downes Crediton), promising young Welshman Craig Melding  (Neath) and defending champion Adam Frayne (Yelverton) follow.

Home club professional David Haines, Oake Manor winner Sion Bebb (Morlais Castle), Paul Hendriksen (Ivybridge) and Players champion Mark Searle (High Post) are closing the gap on one under.

OOM contenders Lee Thompson (Dudsbury) and Jon Bevan (Sherborne) are six shots behind while Dudsbury Masters victor Chris Gill (Newquay) and  Michael Watson (Wessex Golf Centre) trail badly.

Defending women’s champion Lydia Hall (Hensol Golf Academy) and previous winner Tracy Loveys  (Bigbury) both shot 78 so face an exciting shoot-out.

For more information about the West Region Championship at Burnham and Berrow and for latest scores click here.