Law and Mallett lead field

Sharing the lead after two-under-par 70s are Bramhall’s Bronte Law and Sutton Coldfield’s Elizabeth Mallett. Both players made their scores by going out in 33, two-under, with Mallett having improved to four-under for her round before running up a double-bogey 6 at the 15th.

Pleasington’s Brogan Townend signed for a 71 – the only other sub-par return – to lie in third place going into the final round today.

Jessica Carty, a member at Hollywood Golf Club in Belfast, is fourth on 72, with the two leading Scottish hopes – Minto’s Lesley Atkins and Ailsa Summers of Carnoustie – both opening with 75s. Atkins got off to the worst possible start with an opening bogey, while Summers’ card contained five dropped shots as well as two birdies.