They were joined for a share of fourth place by Austrian Martin Wiegele, who had birdie threes at the second and third.

East Dereham’s Andrew Marshall had three birdies on his front nine, spoiled only by a dropped shot at the fourth, to move to five under at the turn – the same score as Sweden’s Christopher Hanell who went out in 33 after birdies at four, six and seven and a bogey at the ninth.

Welshman Craig Williams was also five under after two birdies in eight holes.

First-day leader David Lynn went to eight under with a birdie three at the second while ahead of him Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell double-bogeyed the par-four fourth after finding a bunker to drop back to two under.

However, as the rain began to fall again he bounced back immediately with a two at the short fifth.

McGinley was successful with his birdie putt on the third to go to seven under but Poulter missed a shorter one of about 12 feet.

Andrew Raitt holed from 10 feet for par on the first and playing partner Green did the same from a shorter distance to maintain his lead.

Miles Tunnicliff had a disastrous start with a double bogey at the first, however Lynn was making his move and after playing his approach shot at the third to eight feet he holed to go nine under.

Just one behind him was Per Nyman, who birdied the second.