Men's Senior Golf Championships at Riddell's Bay yesterday -- despite firing a six-over-par 76.

Entering today's final round of the 54-hole tournament, Beach is now poised to end the three-year reign of American Clark MacKenzie, who could also manage only a 76 yesterday.

Six handicapper Beach, who fired an impressive one-under 69 on the opening day, lies on 145, four better than MacKenzie who was joined on 149 yesterday by his close friend, former BGA president Brendan (Bees) Ingham.

Ingham, who opened with a 78, returned the best round of the day yesterday, a 71.

Alone in fourth place is Howard DeSilva who added a 77 to his first round 74 while a further two strokes back on 153 is Eldon Raynor (74-79).

Adrian Crockwell (75-79), Eddie Marshall (74-80) and Tom Wilding (78-76) are on 154, followed by last year's runner-up Rod Holloway (73-82) on 155.

In the first round of the 36-hole women's championship, Valerie Nearon took the half-way lead with a score of 84.

A shot back on 85 is Carol Hammond with two players on 87, Dolly Winwick and Elizabeth Kerr.

Defending champion Joan Foulger is missing from the 21-strong field due to ill health, while another former winner, Diana Diel, is also absent.