Young Australian continues to lead the way as Ireland’s big guns find form at Irish Open in Mount Juliet

Australia’s Lucas Herbert stretched his lead of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at the Mount Juliet Estate in Thomastown yesterday, shooting a second stunning round in a row.

It was a day when the Irish players, including Kilkenny’s Mark Power, Shane Lowry, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell found their range, but still find themselves probably too far back to challenge for the prize.

Despite an early double-bogey, 25-year-old Australian Lucas Herbert managed one of the best rounds of the day, a fine five-under par round to find himself two shots ahead of the field heading into round three with a 13-under-par total.

Herbert is followed by England’s Andy Sullivan and Scotland’s Grant Forrest, two shots back on -11.

Rory McIlroy had an impressive five-under round and joins local favourite Shane Lowry eight shots back of the lead.

With the cut set at three-under, only Cormac Sharvin and Graeme McDowall of the rest of the Irish contingent made the cut, both on three-under.

Kilkenny’s young talent, Mark Power had another exceptional day which saw him finish the tournament just one-over-par, enough the see him claim top amateur prize.

Leader Lucas Herbert tees off last today at 13.20. Shane Lowry starts his third round at 9.55am and Rory McIlroy at 10.35am.