Jonathan Caldwell was in sparkling form at Royal Portrush

Jonathan Caldwell and Conor Doran were at the top of the leaderboard after the strokeplay rounds of the North of Ireland Amateur Championship.

Caldwell of Clandeboye and Banbridge player Doran were joined on 136 by Irish Close runner-up Dara Lernihan.

West of Ireland champion Shane Lowry of Esker Hills was two shots behind them after rounds of 69 at both the Valley and Dunluce courses.

Dunmurry's Darren Crowe is also one of the 64 through to the matchplay games.

Walker Cup star Caldwell, who hopes to turn professional by the end of 2008, and Doran both followed 65s at the Valley on Monday with scores of 71 at Dunluce.