Seven birdies help Bronte Law to share of lead with opening 69

Bronte Law was the top points scorer at last week's Home Internationals and the Cheshire 16-year-old continued her love affair with Gullane yesterday, shooting seven birdies to share the lead on 69 after the first round of the strokeplay qualifying in the British Girls' Championship.

Alyson McKechin (Elderslie) was the leading Scot with a one-under-par 72 over the No 1 course, while the Scottish Girls' Champion, Eilidh Briggs (Kilmacolm), didn't quite hit her top form but was reasonably happy with a 76.

Law, who helped England defend the Girls' Home International title over Gullane No 2 last Friday, finished at the head of the leaderboard alongside a Dutch 17-year-old, Ileen Nieuwenhuis, and what made the Bramhall girl's score all the more remarkable is that it contained a triple-bogey six at the short 16th.

"I just got it out of my head and went on to birdie the final two holes," said the teenager who is attracting attention from the US University golf scouts that are out in force this week. "At the 16th, I hit it over the back and I could hardly even move the ball with the next shot. Then it was a few more hacks."

Law's credits this season include a victory in the Scottish Girls' Under-16 Championship, whilst Briggs has also enjoyed much success over the past few months, exceeding expectations when she reached the final of the Scottish Amateur Championship at Machrihanish in May.

The 18-year-old will be starting a golf scholarship at Stirling University this autumn and intends to complete a degree in physical education and sports studies before contemplating a switch to the professional ranks.

With 64 players to qualify for tomorrow's matchplay, Briggs had three birdies and really only marred her card with a double-bogey at the eighth where she found an unplayable lie in a bunker. Other Scots well in touch were Carnoustie's Jessica Meek (73), North Berwick's Clara Young and Beaconsfield's Gemma Dryburgh (both 74).