EDDIE Pepperell continued his impressive return to action in the European Tour at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

The 28-year-old, from Abingdon, who took a seven-week break in the build-up to the event to rest a back injury, built on an opening round five-under 65 with a three-under-par 68 today.

The highlight of Pepperell’s round was an eagle three at the 12th hole at Lahinch in County Clare.

That took him to the top of the leaderboard and three shots clear of his rivals.

Although he went on to drop a shot two holes later, it was enough to stay in the lead at the conclusion of his round - although he was later passed by Zander Lombard.

A birdie at the second was swiftly wiped out by a bogey at the third.

The Frilford Heath member picked up another shot at the seventh to reach the turn one-under.

He then birdied the 11th before a superb putt from off the green saw him record an eagle at the next.

A disappointing dropped shot at the 14th pulled him back towards the chasing pack.

But Pepperell finished with four successive pars to end on an eight-under total of 132.