Dean Robertson helps Cormac Sharvin set hot Hanbury Manor pace

Dean Robertson became Cormac Sharvin's mentor during the Northern Irishman's spell at Stirling University

David Drysdale and Connor Syme took pride of place among the Scottish contingent on a day of low scoring in the English Championship at Hanbury Manor.

As Stirling University graduate Cormac Sharvin led the way with an eight-under 63, Drysdale and Syme shot matching 65s to sit handily-placed.

In his 501st European Tour appearance, Drysdale carded seven birdies, including four in an inward nine of 31 at the Hertfordshire venue.

"The score is probably better than how I played as I was a little bit ropey," admitted the 45-year-old Borderer.

"I knocked a few wedges close and holed some nice putts on the back nine, including a couple to keep the momentum going, so overall I am pretty happy."

Syme's bogey-free effort came late in the day in the third event on the circuit's new UK Swing.

"It's never nice playing that late as you obviously have a lot of time to chill in the morning," said the 25-year-old Fifer.

"Even though I wasn't in the positions I'd have liked, I got off to a good start by managing to make a couple of birdies to start.

"I then gave myself loads of chances and hopefully I can keep carrying on that form over the next few days."

Richie Ramsay started with an eagle-2 before adding four birdies as he signed for a 66, one less than Ewen Ferguson, who also had an eagle at the eighth.

"It's a good start as it's not been a great year for me," said the 24-year-old Glaswegian. "I've been struggling a bit mentally out on the course, so I am just trying to enjoy it."

Sharvin, a 27-year-old Northern Irishman, shot 10 birdies to lead by a six-strong group that includes former Ryder Cup player David Howell and Belgian Thomas Detry.

"I feel like last week I didn't play too badly, I just struggled on the greens," said Sharvin, who played in Great Britain & Ireland's winning Walker Cup team at Royal Lytham in 2015.

"I did a lot of work with Dean [Robertson] my old college coach who has been caddying for me on the UK Swing.

"We did a lot of work on my putting process and it seemed to work today. Hopefully it keeps going in that direction and see where it takes us."

Lee Westwood, the highest-ranked player in the field, opened with a 66, two shots better than Austrian Open winner Marc Warren and David Law.

Liam Johnston (69) and Daniel Young (70) both broke par, but it was an off day for Scott Jamieson, who tied for tenth in last week's Hero Open at Forest of Arden, as he had to settle for a 73.

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