![Reigning champion Sam Bairstow is just one behind the leader at Saunton](https://golfnews24.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Sam-Bairstow.jpg)
Sam Bairstow, Aaron Edwards-Hill and Olly Huggins right in the mix after 36 holes in Saunton
FORMAT: 72-hole stroke play
Three of the England’s Men’s squad are right in the mix at the halfway stage of the English Men’s Open Stroke Play Championship (Brabazon Trophy) at Saunton.
Reigning champion Sam Bairstow (Hallowes) and first round leader Arron Edwards-Hill (Chelmsford) are just one behind South African leader Christiaan Maas (-7) while Olly Huggins (Frilford Heath) is just two further back in fourth.
Today the Yorkshire left hander rattled up six birdies and an eagle as he stormed to a 66 and is six under for the tournament.
His England team-mate Edwards-Hill, who secured the winning point against France last week, fought back well after bogeys at four, five and seven saw him drop back to three under. But he birdied nine and then played the back nine in two under to shoot a level par round (71).
Huggins, who missed out on the trip to France because of a passport issue, made considerable ground thanks to a three-under 68 on the back of five birdies.
But they are all chasing the Pretoria junior Maas, the world No 31. The 18-year-old has proven incredibly consistent in his homeland this year, finishing second at the South African Stroke Play Championship and third in African Amateur Stroke Play.
Maas followed up his opening 65 with a 70, which included birdies at 15 and 18 to edge back in front this afternoon.