Through two rounds Cummings (150) holds a two-stroke lead over both Phil Campbell and Reece Hodson with the third round to take place this Saturday.

Bathurst Golf Club professional Matt Barrett said it’s been a brilliant battle so far.

“Phil has carried some injuries across from his football days … so he hasn’t been able to give this a good go over the last few years. Ben’s been playing fantastic, and he’s a great talent,” he said.

“You never know when Reece Hodson might throw in an under-par round though, so it’s in a very exciting position at the moment. There’s plenty of depth in this field.”

Hodson is the defending champion in the tournament and is aiming for his fifth Don O’Malley Cup (2010, 2011, 2014, 2016).

Ben Hobbs and Darryn Bruce are also ready to pounce at any moment in the A grade battle as they sit close behind on 153 strokes in equal fourth.

Two-stroke leading margins are the name of the game across all grades.

In B grade Norm Matheson (159) leads Zane Beale (161), for B1 Beau Fitzpatrick (171) and Adam Powell (173) are fighting it out for the lead.

C grade sees Todd Jenkins (182) in front ahead of Col Hope (184).