Craig Howie in Morocco mix on ProGolf Tour

The Peebles player sits a shot off the lead heading into the final round of the third-tier circuit’s Open Casa Green in Morocco.

Stonehaven's Sam Locke finished joint-fifth in the South African Stroke Play Championship at Pecanwood

Bidding to follow up Liam Johnston’s victory in the Open Prestigia on Tuesday, Howie backed up an opening 68 at Palamrie with a 67 at Casa Green Golf in Casablance.

On eight-under, he’s sitting joint-second with the leader, German Max Griesback, in his sights heading into the final round.

Howie, who is in his rookie season in the paid ranks, has already finished joint-second in the Red Sea Ain Sokhna Classic this year.

Ross Cameron was the only other Scot to make the cut, sitting in a share of 17th on four-under after rounds of 71 and 68.

Johnston, who leads the Order of Merit after three events, missed out by seven shots on six-over.

In the amateur ranks, Scottish champion Sam Locke finished joint-fifth behind Swede Oliver Gillberg in the South African Amateur Championship at Pecanwood.

The Stonehaven player signed off with a 68 for an 18-under total as he made an encouraging start to a Scottish Golf winter training trip.

Cawder’s Calum Fyfe finished joint-19th while Howie’s younger brother, Darren, also gave a good account of himself by claiming a share of 26th spot.

Barassie’s Euan Walker, the fourth Scot out of five to make the cut, ended up joint-35th in a low-scoring event.

Gillberg led the way in that respect, setting a new 72-hole record in the event’s 49-year history as he shot rounds of 67-62-64-68 to finish on 27-under.

“It’s been an unbelievable week; unforgettable,” Gilbert said, reading the names of the previous champions on the trophy’s base. “This is definitely the best week of my life.”