Boyd shows the way in Belfast as Grant leads Irish chasers

With the disappointing late withdrawal of the Slieve Russell twins Leona and Lisa Maguire, the focus of attention turned to the other Irish competitors in the smaller-than-usual field in the British Ladies Open stroke-play championship at Shandon Park, Belfast yesterday.

Continentals are conspicuous by their absence but Curtis Cup players Amy Boulden, Kelly Tidy and Bronte Law are in the line-up, providing plenty of quality.

It was a little-known player from England’s West Country, Sarah-Jane Boyd of Truro, who leads the way after round one with a three-under par 69, one stroke clear of Boulden from Conwy, North Wales.