Cory DeSilva holds a one-stroke lead over Sam Wehmeyer in the 16-18 age group of the 31st annual Aon Benfield Fecchio Cup after an opening round of 77 yesterday in blustery conditions at Port Royal Golf Club.

DeSilva held his nerve best in the wind and turned in a solid six-over-par 77 to lead the way while Wehmeyer, the defending champion, recovered from a triple-bogey seven on the 1st hole to finish the day one back after a round of 78.

Already the front two have put some daylight between themselves and the rest of the field, with newcomer Mykal Donkin leading the chasing pack and sitting in third place after a round of 87.

DeSilva has been in good form lately with wins in the past two BGA Monthly Medal events and yesterday he enjoyed a close contest with Wehmeyer, whom he played alongside.

Playing off the blue tees, DeSilva and Wehmeyer were separated by just one stroke on the front nine as Wehmeyer went out in 39 and DeSilva 40, before DeSilva turned it around on the back nine with his 37 to finish one ahead of Wehmeyer.

The 13-15 division remains tight heading into the second day, with Mikus Ming taking a two-shot lead after a first round of 81. Ming had the low round of all divisions, going through the front nine at one over par, but a few hiccups on the back nine brought him back closer to the chasing pack.

Port Royal members Alex Mason and Brady Cordeiro put their local knowledge to good use with rounds of 83 and 84 respectively. Joining Brady in third place is Kheary Swan.

In the open Red Division, Luke Watson showed no signs of rust from his time in boarding school while turning in a score of 91.

Kenny Leseur is threatening to find his form again after a round of 97 in second place. The race for third place is tight, with Tyler Emery on 102, closely followed by Joe Watson on 103. Alex Withers-Clarke has a bit of catching up to do after a 109.