ROGER Roper is the first North-East golfer back in the clubhouse at the English Senior Open. The Rockliffe Hall pro made a huge improvement on yesterday's opening 77 to turn in a one-under 71 today.

He is far more relaxed about his round today in the clubhouse and he sits on four-over for the tournament despite two double bogeys on the back nine, which also included an eagle at the 12th.

Welshman Ian Woosnam is the biggest mover of the day. The former US Masters champion has climbed to within a shot of the lead after shooting six under through 15 holes. He presently sits a shot off leader Cesar Monasterio on four under.

Frenchman Jean-Pierre Sallat has just posted the best score of the week so far with a 66. The former pro footballer, who played for Bordeaux and Le Havre, sits on three under after his bogey free round.

Matfen Hall's John Harrison has also enjoyed a much better day. After Friday's five over, he has climbed back to level par with a stunning 67.

He posted a bogey free round which included five birdies to give him a chance of a decent finish going in to Sunday's final round.