AIG Senior Cup champions Galway are 12 strokes off the lead heading into the final round of the weather-reduced European Men's Club Trophy in France.

The first day's play was cancelled due to heavy rain and unplayable course conditions at Golf du Médoc Resort in Bordeaux, forcing the EGA to reduce the championship from 54 to 36 holes.

Galway did not have a good opening day as Ronan Mullarney shot a two-over 73 and Liam Nolan a 75 with Joe Lyons' 78 discarded.

Scores

At six-over-par, the Irish champions are 11th in the standings behind Germany's Stuttgarter Golf Club Solitude.

Michael Hirmer carded a five-under-par 66, while his teammate, Benedikt Thalmayr shot 70 to give them a four-stroke lead over defending champions, Racing Club de France La Boulie.

Hugo Rouillon shot a 76 for the French Club, but Raphael Le Bot carded the lowest round of the day, a seven-under-par 64, to ensure the seven-times champions remained well in contention on two-under.

Terre Blanche, this year's French national champions, are one shot further back in third position one-under while City of Newcastle Golf Club are six shots behind the leaders on level-par.