Golf: Brand Jnr holds steady

GORDON BRAND JNR gave himself another chance to end a run of four years without a victory when he shot his second successive 67 in the Jersey Open at La Moye yesterday. On 10 under par, the Bristol-based Scot shared the lead with the Aberdeen-based Englishman, Craig Cassells.

Brand's consistency has taken him to eighth in this year's money list and 11th in the Ryder Cup points table. But his last success remains the 1989 Benson and Hedges International.

On the links where he shot a course record-equalling 62 in 1986 Brand yesterday took six birdies, three of them in a row from the 15th.

Cassells, a 24-year-old former Walker Cup player now in his first season on the European Tour, birdied the last two holes for a 66.

Sam Torrance, the European No 1 who was three over par after five holes yesterday, followed up his first-round 70 with a 68 and was in touch with the leaders at six under.