Ross Noon is on a high by order of merit

CRAIGIELAW'S Ross Noon is setting a hot pace in this season's Lothians Order of Merit after picking up points in all five of the counting events so far.

The 23-year-old started his campaign well by finishing second in the Lothians Championship qualifying and has since been in the points at Uphall, Newbattle, Silverknowes, where he won, and Greenburn.

Noon, son of former professional Jim, who now caddies for Sam Torrance, is well clear of the chasing pack already with 296 points.

Stuart Cup winner Stephen Simants from Dunbar and Newbattle's Malcolm Graham, winner of the Whitburgh Cup over his home course, are tied for second on 100 points.

At Greenburn, the most recent of the counting events, top spot in the Steele Trophy was shared by three players as John Ralston (Shotts), Uphall's Mark Irvine and Iain Wilson of Dalmahoy all signed for 70s.

The host club's Stuart McKechnie finished alone on 71, with Noon sharing fifth spot with Greenburn trio James Johnston, Blair Todd and Alan Crawford as well as Uphall's Jordyn Rhind.