Sean Roach, from Southern Golf Club in Victoria, has leapfrogged round one leader, Alex Pitty, after carding another round of 71 today at Ballarat Golf Club.

Conditions were similar to yesterday with some strong winds testing players’ resilience, but it was Roach who handled it with aplomb to be the only player in the field to shoot below par in consecutive rounds.

Roach currently sits outright leader at 2-under, with Pitty and fellow New South Welshman, Taylor Cooper, one shot back after posting 73 and 72, respectively.

"I was really pleased, " said Roach after the round.

"I think I probably got a bit lucky in regards to the draw and the weather, but I was really happy with how I’ve hit the ball the past two days. "

Englishman, Gareth Davies also went under par today to keep piling pressure on the Australians and putting himself in a strong position at outright fourth, just two shots off the lead.

The best round of the day was set by Theo Maroulakos, from Latrobe Golf Club, who finished with an equal tournament best of 2-under 70.

The ladies in the field will be sure to push the boys all the way to the finish, with Elissa-Jayne Orr from Eastwood Golf Club in Victoria and Carly Beck from Wakehust Golf Club in NSW both currently placed in the top 20.

With the field now cut down to 52 players, play will commence at 7.00am with the two leading groups expected to tee off from 9.40am tomorrow morning.