Local knowledge helped Richie Ramsay into the third round at the Saltire Energy Paul Lawrie Matchplay as he swept ex-Ryder Cup golfer Edoardo Molinari aside 4&3 at Murcar.

After winning the opening hole with a solid par Ramsay birdied the next two, then eagled the long fourth to open up a three hole lead and three more birdies in four holes from the eighth saw him open up a four hole lead on the Italian.

“I’ve been looking forward to the wind turning around,” said the Aberdonian who grew up playing on the neighbouring Balgownie links.

“We’ve been playing in a different wind all week but I’m used to playing it in these conditions.”

Fellow Scot David Drysdale was eliminated however, well beaten 6&4 by another former Ryder Cup golfer, England’s David Howell.