Ed Stedman holds a slight advantage at the Middlemount
Pro-Am after the first round.

Playing in the second last group of the day, Stedman signed
for a 5-under 67 to lead by one shot from Warrick Betts, Paul Maiolo, Marcus
Cain, Brad Burns, Paul Hayden and Chris Gaunt.

"I hit the ball really well today and holed my fair share
of putts, so I am really happy to be heading into the final round holding a one
stroke lead," said Stedman, who admired the condition of the course.

"The condition of the course is significantly improved since
the last time I played here two years ago. I really take my hat off to the
green staff and volunteers for all the work they have done in the lead up to
the pro-am."

The Onsite Rental Group Mining Town Series has reached
the halfway mark and while Paul Maiolo continues to lead, Stedman is hoping a
win in Middlemount will help him reduce Maiolo’s strangle hold on the Series.

"It is never easy to continue to play well after so many
days of competition. But hopefully I will be able to hang in there throughout the
second round and walk away with a win," added Stedman.

The morning field of the Middlemount Pro-Am will tee off
tomorrow morning at 7am, while the lead group including Stedman and Betts will
tee off on the first tee at 12pm.

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