Robin Symes was a model of consistency on the opening day of the Leinster Youths Open Championship, sponsored by Sigma Wireless Communications, at Lucan Golf Club yesterday.

The Shandon Park player shot two rounds of level par 71 to lead the field by three shots at the halfway mark. Michael McGeady from the City of Derry Club, who shot one of the best two rounds of the day - a two-under-par 69 in the first round - is in second place with Waterville's Mark Murphy.

Youth International Symes birdied the 18th hole in the morning for his 71 and repeated the feat in the afternoon for a halfway total of 142. Donal O'Brien impressed in the first round by shooting a 69, but he slipped in the afternoon to 78 for a share of fifth place.