RICHARD Bland put in a valiant effort on day two of the Irish Open today, but it was not enough to avoid the cut.

The Southampton golfer shot a one-under-par round of 71 at the Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort.

However, Bland was undone by a terrible opening day, which saw him shot an eight-over-par 80.

It looked at one stage as if Bland might mount a remarkable recovery to make it into the weekend, after he reeled off four birdies in his first nine holes.

But he was unable to sustain his challenge and eventually finished seven-over for the tournament.

For a full round up of the Hampshire golf scene, see Tuesday's Daily Echo.