The Otago men's under-19 team took control as it opened up an eight-shot lead over Canterbury on the second day of competition in the South Island age-group tournament at the Coringa course in Christchurch yesterday.
Cody McMullan led the way with a one-under-par 72, supported by Harry Smith on 73, while Inia Logan and Sungwoo Han chipped in with 77 apiece.
Otago led by a single stroke after the first round on Wednesday and will now need to finish well to ensure success over a strong Canterbury quintet playing on their home course.
The Otago under-16 team improved from fourth to third with more consistent play yesterday but will struggle to finish higher as Canterbury and Tasman are well ahead.
McMullan's second sub-par round in the event not only helped the under-19 team, but places him in the lead in the South Island individual championship at three under on 143.
After leading in the first round, Logan dropped back to second two shots behind Andrew Meng (Remuera) in the under-17 event after finishing four over par on 77 yesterday.
Hiroki Miya (Russley) followed his first round of 77 with a par 73 to snatch the lead from Otago's Callum Judkins in the under-15 event.
