Giles kept his cool for a level par 71 which gave him a three-stroke lead over Simon Thornton, David Mortimer and Ashbourne's John Dwyer.

The day's biggest casualty, however, was a shell-shocked Eamonn Darcy who started the day in great shape a mere three shots off the lead.

But nine bogies and a stunning triple bogey catapulted him down the field. His playing partner, Philip Walton, a former winner of this prestigious title, fared somewhat better but a 75 leaves him five shots off the pace.