Gilleon, Doyle share early lead Pair turn in 6-under-par rounds; GBO champ Salinetti five back

FALMOUTH FORESIDE – James Gilleon of Summerfield, Fla., and Matthew Doyle of West Simsbury, Conn., each shot 6-under-par 64 at Portland Country Club Wednesday to share the first-round lead in the 83rd Wendy’s Maine Open Golf Championship.

Play continues with 18 holes today at Purpoodock Club in Cape Elizabeth, after which a cut will be made for Friday’s final round at Falmouth Country Club.

Gilleon and Doyle each started on the back nine with Doyle playing in the morning section and Gilleon playing in the afternoon.

Doyle opened with a 33 on his first nine and posted a 31 on the front for his 64. Gilleon was just the opposite, starting with a 31 on the back and posting a 33 on the front.

They lead Jeffrey Martin of Naples, a pro at Biddeford-Saco Country Club in Saco; John Curley of Willowbend Golf Club in Massachusetts; and Gary Bayly of Lilburn, Ga., by three strokes.

Eric Crouse of Windham heads another three players at 68.

Last year’s Maine Open runner-up, Rich Parker of Lebanon, N.H., and Jim Salinetti of Lee, Mass., winner of the Greater Bangor Open two weeks ago, top another group of six at 69.

Bangor Municipal Golf Course pro Mike Baker, the Rhode Island Open champ last week, struggled to a 75.

Timothy Desmarais of Dunegrass Country Club in Old Orchard Beach is low amateur at 71.