McCrea leads McConnell Cup qualifying at Raceview

The best nett return came from veteran George B McCrea who, playing off a 15 handicap, posted a nett score of 10 under, 58 shots.

George produced a round of five over par gross - including a second nine of one over - and his total of 58 was two better than runner-up Cameron Horner.

The seven-handicapper returned a nett 60 having played the course in one under par gross and his round included four birdies.

Third nett was Gordon Bell (11) who had a nett 61 and on a better second nine from Brian Craig (24) and Michael Smyth (5).

Gordon was three over gross after nine and his second nine was even better as he was one over, helped by back-to-back birdies at 15 and 16.

Craig got through the outward nine in eight over which left him 16 shots for the homeward stretch, of which he used nine.

Michael Smyth claimed fifth spot having played each nine in 33 strokes, for a two under par gross total. His round included five birdies.

The sixth nett card came from Mark McGaughey (21) who had the best nett 62. Having dropped eight shots on the front nine, he shot a seven over on the way home.

Best gross came from Dermot McElroy (-4) who, having returned from his Euro Tour exploits, shot a gross round of 62.