Cilley, who had a strong second round at Baker Hill Golf Club, finds himself in the lead at 5-under par. Cilley fired 1-under 71 in the first round and 4-under 68 in the second round, gaining all his ground on his opening nine in the second round where he made five birdies and one bogey. His second nine included one birdie and one bogey to finish out the round at 4-under par.
Cilley has been in this position before, including being in the final group of the tournament the last few years, but not being able to seal the deal.
“I don’t really have a number in mind for tomorrow,” he said. “I just want to play how I’ve been playing.”
On his heels is Nick MacDonald, a Baker Hill member who also fired a low round in the second round with a 3-under 69. With an opening-round 71, he began Round 2 tied for the lead with Cilley and James Pleat. Starting on the back nine on Wednesday, he made one error with a double bogey on the 11th hole but went on to card five birdies to get to 3 under for the round and 4 under for the tournament. MacDonald certainly has the capability to take advantage of his position given how far he hits the ball and his local knowledge.
Defending New Hampshire Mid-Amateur Champion James Pleat is just two back of leader Jim Cilley after matching MacDonald’s 69 in Round 2. Pleat, who shot even-par 72 in the first round, also made five birdies in the second round but one double bogey cost him two shots on his opening nine holes. Last year, Pleat had a come-from-behind win to take the 2017 Mid-Amateur title.