DORSET star Georgia Hall is the halfway leader in the English Women’s Amateur Championship at a windswept Royal Birkdale.

The 16-year-old Curtis Cup first reserve held a one-shot advantage over Lancashire’s Kelly Tidy going into today’s penultimate round.

Hall led by a similar margin after an opening round 77 (two over par) in tough-scoring conditions on Tuesday.

Remedy Oak’s Hall and Tidy (Royal Birkdale) blew the opposition away yesterday with 74s to open up a four-shot gap on their nearest rivals.

Hall, an England international and double age-group champion, reached the halfway stage with two consecutive birdies.

“It’s good to improve with each round,” Hall told England Golf. “It was better today (Wednesday), but still tough.

“There are birdie chances out there but anything round par is a good score.”

Tidy and third-placed Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa) have been selected ahead of Hall for next month’s Curtis Cup against the Americans at Nairn.

The field was cut after yesterday’s second round to the leading 36 players and ties. The cut fell on 17 over par and 40 players qualified.