JOHN McHENRY stayed in relative touch with the first round lead in the 1997 South African Golf Masters at windswept San Lameer on the Indian Ocean coastline yesterday.

The Corkman played in strong, gusting conditions for a two over par 74 - turning in 38 and coming home in 36. Only six players broke the par of 72 on the day.

But the early pace was set by little known Brazilian Adilson da Silva, who putted superbly on the grainy green for a five under par 67.

Defending champion Wayne Westner of South Africa carded a 72 while Mark McNulty of Zimbabwe returned a tidy 71 to share second place with four others.

"On the whole, I played well but I still made a few silly mistakes,"

McHenry said. "I hope to be a lot sharper when the three European events start here in South Africa next month.