<image="x" align="left" />
The 2015 champion has his eyes on a second Australian Mid-Amateur Championship crown at beautiful Links Lady Bay in South Australia.
Phillip Island's Mark Boulton, victorious at Arundel Hill two years ago and runner-up last year at The Sands, fired an even-par 72 today to lead by one at two over after the second round.
The Victorian opened with a pair of birdies and closed with another to edge past overnight joint leader Mat Crandel (73), of Byron Bay, by a shot.
Two other New South Welshman each fired superb rounds of 70, with Nicholas Crews surging to third at +5, while James Brownlow climbed to nine over.
There was also a piece of magic from Ireland's Aaron White who aced the par-three 15th, with a pitching wedge uphill from 114m.
In the women's division, Louise Mullard has one hand on the title after extending her round-one lead with the day's equal-best score.
Mullard, of Morisset Country Club south of Newcastle, fired a 77 to sit 11 over and seven clear through two rounds.
The third and final round of both events tees off on Friday morning.