Rice and Moriarty leave field trailing at Moyvalley

Tim Rice (Limerick Golf Club) and Colm Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance) separated themselves from the field on day three of the 107th Irish PGA Championship at Moyvalley Hotel and Golf Resort.

The pair matched each other blow for blow today (Saturday) over the Twin Oaks course at the Co Kildare venue signing for a pair of 68's, three shots better than anyone else in the field.

With one round remaining Rice leads the way on -15 under par, Moriarty is three shots back on -12 with defending champion, Damien McGrane, third on five under.

“I'm happy enough, the only problem was that I couldn't shake yer man here,” said Rice, pointing to Moriarty.

“It was a bit up and down over the front nine, but the back nine was a bit easier, much the same as the last couple of days.”

Moriarty is back in very familiar territory. The 38-year-old has featured in the final group at the last two Irish PGA Championships and has yet to get over the finishing line.

“All in all I'm happy because Tim is playing very well,” said Colm.

“It would be nice to narrow the gap early on but you just have to keep playing and giving yourself chances.”

McGrane's challenge was hampered by a calf injury he suffered at the first hole. The Kells man limped for the rest of the round, eventually signing for a level par 72.

Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge), in third place overnight, slipped down the field following a third round two over 74.