McElhinney top Irish at Slaley Hall.

Brian McElhinney is the top Irishman after a second round of level par leaves him 4 shots behind the 3 leaders on 3 over par in the Europro tour championship at Slaley Hall.

Overnight leader Chris Hanson took 73 shots but is still in the lead with Simon Lilly 70 and Paul Doherty 72 on 1 under par.They are the only players under par.They have opened up a 2 shot lead from Colin Roope 72 and Steve Surry 71 +1.

With the top 5 on the order of merit moving onto the Challenge tour,any of the 5 Irish in action would need to win the winners prize of 15,000 Euros on offer to have a chance.The closest contender is Brian McElhinney who lost a shot at the final hole for a level par round of 72 to sit 4 shots back. Barrie Trainor had a steady round of 73 to finish on +5 and 6 shots behind.Tim Rice had his second 75 in a row for a +6 total.
Michael Collins who took 78 in the first round got himself back into contention when he was 3 under for 15 holes.Unfortunately he took a 9 at the par 4 7th hole,his 16th and went on to finish on 9 over par after a 75.Brendan McCarroll can't get to grips with the course and took a 79 to finish with a +16 total.