Irish duo two shots off leaders at British Masters

Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell have put themselves within two shots of the lead at the British Masters.

The Irish pair carded three-under 68s in today's first round to sit in a tie for 11th.

There is a four-way tie for the lead on five-under shared by Mikko Ilonen of Finland, Scotland's Marc Warren, England's Tommy Fleetwood and Richard Sterne of South Africa.

Paul McGinley is on one-under after carding a 70.

Michael Hoey has finished his opening round on four over.