DARREN ROBINSON, playing in the Glenmuir Club Professional Championship for only the second time, snatched the first round lead at County Louth yesterday with a four under par 69.

Robinson, who hails from Chester but now plies his trade on the Tartan Tour in Scotland, posted that score in the worst of the wind that buffeted the links course. The 26 year old made his debut in this event last year at West Hill but missed the cut.

A remarkable run of five birdies in his first six holes laid the foundations for Robinson's round. He dropped one shot on the inward half but coped well with his surprise lead.

Former champion Russell Weir carded four birdies and a single bogey to set an early target that was matched by five other players. He was joined by Brendan McGovern, Bill Longmuir, Jason O'Brian, Patrick Winston and Sion Bebb.

Despite playing his first round of golf in a month, David Jones, of Mount Ober, is in contention following a two under par round of 71.