A one-under-par 71 in the second round helped Limerick's Tim Rice to a three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Leinster Youths Golf Championship at the Christy O'Connor Golf Club, Hollystown, yesterday.

Rice, with rounds of 73 and 71 for a total of 144, leads from Alan Thomas (Tramore), Alan Murray (Greystones) and Ricky Elliott (Royal Portrush).

Played in wind and heavy rain in the morning, Rice mastered the conditions best over the two rounds. He opened with a one-over-par 73 which was only one shot off the pace set by Gary Wardlow of Shandon Park and Alan Murray, and he took full advantage as the rained ceased in the afternoon to add a 71.

Daniel Sugrue shot the best round of the day, a two-under-par 70 in the afternoon. The Killarney youth reached the turn in one under 34 with a birdie four at the par five fifth hole, and also managed an eagle three on the last hole, where he hit a drive and three-iron to 15 feet. Thirty-five players on 157 or better and one, Mel Flanagan of the Island on 158, made the cut for today's final 36 holes.