IRISH Amateur champion Peter Lawrie finished just two strokes off the lead after the opening round of the European Amateur Championship in Karlstad, Sweden, yesterday.

Lawrie returned a two under par 69 to stay well in touch with the early pace set by Uinland's Mika Lehtinen.

By contrast, there was bitter disappointment for Irish strokeplay champion Keith Nolan, who was disqualified after incorrectly signing for a four at the 17th hole. Nolan moved an out of bounds stake and should have called a two stroke penalty on himself.