Beaverstown's Gary Cullen led a strong Irish charge in a rain ruined first round of the European Amateur Individual championship over the tough Wentwood Hills course at Celtic Manor in South Wales yesterday.

The Irish Amateur Champion returned a solid level par 72, on a day when over four hours play was lost. After a frustrating morning when play was twice delayed, officials had no alternative but to reduce the championship to 54 holes with the second round tomorrow. Cullen did not believe that a 72 was on the cards when he started with two bogeys. But a birdie three at the third and another at the 565 yards fifth put him back on track. Cullen went one under par when he got up and down at the long 11th. He dropped a shot at the 14th before parring his way in for an excellent 72. He is still five strokes behind the leader, Denmark's Thomas Havemann, who shot a record 67.

Royal Dublin's Eamonn Brady was kicking himself at not being nearer the pace after a respectable 74. He came to the l7th one under par but then lost a ball and slumped to a double bogey six before three putting the last. Andrew McCormick is on 75, while Paddy Gribben does not begin the defence of his title until this morning.