Arthur Jones made a promising start to the defence of his Bermuda Amateur Senior Championship title at Riddells Bay Country Club yesterday.

Jones took full advantage of the fabulous conditions on offer and coped reasonably well with the Warwick course’s lightening fast greens to card a three over par 73 for a share of the lead with Hav Trott.

The tournament’s defending champion rolled in three birdies which were offset by six bogeys, three either side of the turn.

Trott carded two birdies and five bogeys during his stroll around the course and will look to build on that showing when second round action commences today.

Two shots back of Jones and Trott is Timothy James who carded a five- over- par 75 to put himself in early contention. James had six bogeys and a solitary birdie at the par four, 9th hole.

Katrin Burnie led the ladies division after 18 holes.

Burnie carded a 10-over-par 82 to open up a six-shot advantage over nearest rival Ann Symonds.

A further three shots back of the leader is Betty-Ann Sudbury who entered the clubhouse with a 19-over-par 91.