Golf:It was a disappointing day for Irish players and in particular Colm Moriarty as all three – Simon Thorton and Dara Ford – missed the cut at the Madeira Islands Open.

Moriarty started the day on five under but a double bogey at the seventh along with two other dropped shots on the front nine saw him turn in 40 shots. He rallied with birdies at the 11th and 13th but a bogey on the penultimate hole cost him a place in the tournament at the weekend, as the cut mark fell at three under par.

Thornton (76, 72) and Ford (78, 78) were never really in with a chance of making the cut. The tournament is led by Ryder Cup player Oliver Wilson. He shot a sublime seven under par, 65.

The Englishman, who lost his European Tour card after finishing 130th in The Race to Dubai last year, showed signs he is rediscovering his best form, having not dropped a shot in two rounds at Santo da Serra to lead by one from Swedish pair Magnus A Carlsson and Joakim Lagergren, who both had two rounds of 66, and England’s Andy Sullivan, who shone with a 64.

Wilson has made eight appearances so far this season – six as a sponsor’s invitation – but has made just €22,084, so he is particularly pleased to be leading the way as he attempts to win a maiden European Tour title. The last time he was in pole position on tour was after 54 holes of the 2008 Hong Kong Open (part of the 2009 International Schedule).

“I played nicely,” said the 31 year old, who was in the European Team at the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla. “The fact I haven’t had a bogey for two rounds shows I’m playing solidly and sensibly. I actually feel like I left a few out there today. I missed three putts from inside six feet. But I made a couple of really good par saves – not from bad shots, just because the course is tricky.

““There’s a long way to go and the scoring will carry on being low, but I’ll keep pushing on trying to make birdies. There will inevitably be some mistakes at the weekend but it’s just a question of trying to limit them. You’ve got to be patient.”