CARRABASSETT VALLEY – Mark Plummer of Augusta and John Hickson of Topsham share the lead after the first round of the State of Maine Golf Championship at Sugarloaf Golf Club, each posting a 4-under par 68.

Plummer, a four-time champ, and Hickson each recorded five birdies on the back nine to give themselves a three-shot cushion over amateur Ross McGee, who fired a 1-under 71.

The 36-hole stroke play tournament continues today.