Nicky Grant and Andrew Hogan blasted a pair of level par 70s to make the very best of their self-financed trip to the Lytham Trophy.

The dynamic duo made their own way to the famous Lancashire links and finished the day just four shots behind Walker Cup player Tommy Fleetwood who he hit a superb 66 to lead the field by a shot.

Knock talent Grant fired six birdies and six bogeys in an adventurous effort as Newlands starlet Hogan had four birdies and four bogeys.

Paul Dunne, the highly regarded 17-year old from Greystones, shot a 74 to finish the day alongside last year’s St Andrew Links Trophy winner Alan Dunbar, Paul Cutler, Luke Lennon and Dara Lernihan. Robbie Cannon had a frustrating 76.