Rounds one and two of the championship were completed on Saturday and Sunday, with Thomas eyeing his first title since his four straight wins from 2007 to 2010.
Thomas started with a steady 73 on Saturday before completing a brilliant round of 68 on Sunday, bringing his total to 141 heading into tomorrow’s final round.
He holds a 14 stroke lead from second placed Troy Grant on 155, who managed 79 and 76 in the first two rounds.
Third place is reigning champion Peter Joice on 157 (77 and 80) with Graeme ‘Wrecker’ Willoughby fourth on 158 (76 and 82).
It’s a tight affair in B grade with six players within five shots of the lead, held by Ross Taylor.
Taylor held a share of the lead after the first round, and takes a two shot lead into the final round, sitting on 172 after rounds of 84 and 88.
In equal second place is Neil Boswell (87 and 87) and Thomas Bult (90 and 84) who both finished round two on 174.
Mick Barnett sits fourth on 175 (86 and 89), Wayne Hodgson is fifth on 176 (86 and 90) and George Willis is sixth on 177 (85 and 92).
In C grade Gary Rodda recorded two good rounds to hold a five stroke lead from Mark Thomas.
Rodda held the first round lead after an 88 on Saturday and followed it up with 89 on Sunday.
Thomas, who will no doubt be looking for a family double, recovered from a 94 in round one with an 88 in round two to finish on 182.
Matt McDonald sits third on 189 (91 and 98) with Ron ‘Moot’ Turner fourth on 192 (98 and 94).
D grade is also a close contest with Adam Wettenhall holding the lead, finishing on 194 after two rounds of 97.
But in D grade anything can and probably will happen, with four players within seven shots of the lead.
The closest to Wettenhall is Des Ramsey, who sits on 197 after recovering from a round one 102 with an improved round of 95 on Sunday.
In third place is Ian Campbell 200 (104 and 96) from Peter O’Brien 201 (104 and 97).
The final round will be held tomorrow, with golfers following strict social distancing protocols.
The Deniliquin Golf Club advises that competition and social golf continues for members, but there will be no spectators or social golf during the final round of championships.
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