Banks impresses

Kenneth Banks of Topgolf Game Centre in Chigwell had a round of two-under-par 69 at North Weald Golf Club with five birdies all bar one coming in his back nine.

He led the 27 qualifiers for the East Anglian Open which will be played at The Rayleigh Club on September 25 and 26.

Runner-up with level par was Bruce Cuff of Duke's Meadows Golf and Tennis. He had three birdies.

Three players were joint third at one-over-par. They were Mark Talbott (Thorpe Hall) who had the only eagle of the day on the 482-yard par five 12th hole, Mark Alexander (MA Golf) and Darren Turner (South Essex Golf Centre).

All players with a score of eight-over-par will tee up in the prestigious East Anglian Open competing to have their name engraved on a trophy which has in the past been won by such illustrious names as Reg Knight, Eddie Whitcombe, Brian Huggett and Ian Poulter.