Dale Crothers has taken a three shot lead at the Vic/Tas/SA PGA Trainee Championships, firing 4-under 68 on the Captain’s course at the Tocumwal Golf and Bowls Club to sit at 10-under 134 after 36-holes.

The Year 1 Trainee at the Yarrawonga and Mulwala Golf Club Resort held a 7-shot lead but two late bogeys and some great golf in the afternoon wave of players reduced that to three shots with 36-holes to play.

Crothers leads Brayden Petersen (Asquith Golf Club, NSW) who shot the best round of the day of 6-under 66 included seven birdies.

Mitch Gannon (Kogarah Golf Club, NSW) sits in outright third position on 6-under 138 and his round of 71 included an eagle 2 on the 1st hole.

A further shot back is Cooper Eccleston (Victoria Park, Qld) who fired a 3-under 69 during the afternoon.

Rounding out the top five is Year 2 Trainee at The Ridge Golf Club (NSW), Jayden Cripps on 142, Jack Sandic (Ranfurlie Golf Club, Vic), Ethan Andrews (Lakelands Golf Club, WA) and Neville Hogan (Tambourine Mountain Golf Club, Qld) are tied-6^th at even par.

The cut fell at 8-over par with 56 trainees progressing to the 3^rd and 4^th rounds. There were 10 women in the field, three of which made the cut. Rebecca West, Emily Pell and Corinna Bryant will all contest the final two rounds.

Play begins on the Presidents course at 7.45am with the leaders teeing off the first at 8.57am.