Jones extends lead at Hawks Nest

Matthew Jones has extended his lead in the NSW Trainee Championships at Hawks Nest Golf Club after carding a one under par 71. The Kurri Kurri trainee professional was one of only four players to break par on a day where wind gusts of up to 50 kilometres an hour caused havoc for competitors.

Jones made a scrappy start to his second round making the turn at one over par and when he bogeyed the lengthened par four eleventh, his lead was surrendered. The long hitting Jones quickly bounced back on the par five thirteenth with an eagle after hitting a nine iron to 15 feet on the hole playing 450 metres.

A birdie on 14, followed by four consecutive pars was enough to see Jones holding the clubhouse lead by two strokes at the halfway mark of the tournament.

Terrey Hills trainee professional Ben Gear is in outright second place at two under after an even par round of 72 with Robert Stephenson a further two shots behind after two consistent rounds of even par.

Defending Champion Andrew McCormack has work ahead of him as he slipped down the leader board into a tie for 14th after a six over 78.

The third round continues tomorrow with the final group of Jones, Gear and Stephenson teeing off at 9am.