"It hasn't really sunk in to be honest but I'm sure I can continue with my form. I have kept it in play and only missed three greens over the two days and I haven't missed with the putter."
With his name sitting firmly on the 52 dozen Asahi for lowest round of the week, coupled with the tournament lead, a windy weekend may not be the worst scenario for the Waipukurau professional.
"I tend to play just as well in the wind because of my low ball flight, so I'm happy either way if the wind picks up over the weekend."
The man who will be hoping for a different result is Tyler Hodge, who is hot on his heels after also carding two very solid rounds of 66 and 67.
"I'm pretty happy with that start and my game is feeling good. I have been in this position a little bit, not so much as a pro, but I think I know what to do, it's just all about going out there and doing it," said a determined Hodge. He may be looking for his maiden pro win, but one trophy Hodge can't get his hands on is the Jennian Homes Trophy. This is what the players strive for throughout the gruelling season and it is a lolly scramble at this stage.
Brad Shilton is the frontrunner after having matching rounds of 68 to start the week. Shilton sits in alone in third for the tournament and will be looking to make it a double win on the Muriwai links by tomorrow afternoon.
Jim Cusdin and Daniel Hiller have both gone even par once again to hover in contention for the Jennian Homes Trophy. They will need to cut into that lead over the weekend but another amateur to keep a close eye on is Tasman's Ryan Chisnall, who is currently alone in fourth place which will make for an exciting finish.
Canterbury's Momoka Kobori was sitting comfortably on a two-shot lead over fellow Cantabrian Amelia Garvey in the women's field, but after a busy day the tables have turned with Momoka shooting an out-of-character five-over round.
Garvey played it safe with an even-par round but is joined by Australian professional Ali Orchard who has recorded two rounds of 71 this week to tie for the lead at Muriwai.
This is not a first for Garvey as she has made great progress in 2016 but she is yet to take the spoils in a Jennian Homes Charles Tour event.
"It's been a good year so far and I am just looking to continue that this weekend. I have been in contention but haven't got the win yet so I am looking to change that this week," said Garvey. It won't be easy with three professionals breathing down her neck including Jenna Hunter and Rica Tse, but Ali Orchard will be one to watch come tomorrow afternoon.
