THE Canadian Maire-Josee Rouileau led the field when she carded four birdies on her way to a 68 over the North course at the Women's European Tour school in La Manga, Spain yesterday, while American Elizabeth Bowman led with a 69 over the other South.

Tracy Eakin from Laytown and Bettystown made a bright start when an opening round of 70 over the North course left her just two strokes off the lead. Eakin had two birdies in her first three holes then collected two more at the 8th and 9th holes to be out in 32. She then moved over par for the only time in her round when she ran up a double bogey six at the 11th hole.