Ian Ellis of Costessey Park and the unattached Kieran James shared the top spot in the John O'Gaunt Charity pro-am with rounds of six under par 65.
Ellis had an unblemished round that included four birdies and an eagle at the 478-yard 17th. James, concentrating on tournament play, had eight birdies but dropped two shots.
The pair ended four shots clear of morning leader James Scade of Little Channels, whose two under par round was later matched by Colchester's Mark Baker.
Ellis said: 'It's nice to play well in a big pro-am. Now I am looking forward to the rest of the season. I feel rejuvenated because April was a struggle. I had been putting dreadfully but at John O'Gaunt I was sinking the three and four footers and finding the fairways.
'I think this year will be a good year starting with the first order of merit event next week at Royal Cromer where I hold the course record of 66.'
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