DRYBROOK rally driver Eric Davis survived a heavy crash with a tree on the Midsummer Stages in Caerwent.

Eric and co-driver Russell Joseph (Mini GT) were the leading Mini going into the final stage but a broken ball joint left them with no steering and they hit a tree hard. Luckily, the pair escaped uninjured.

Russell said: "We're a bit sore but we couldn't avoid the tree. The car is a bit of a mess."

Nigel Dutson went off down a bank on stage two and retired, while Stuart Hart also rolled out of the event and Nigel Hart lost his clutch.

Jason Gardner and Matt Davis (Escort RS) came 23rd overall, third in class. They had a brush with a wall and had to drive four miles on a puncture.

Will Rogers teamed up with Gary McLeod (Honda Civic) for last weekend's Scottish Rally. The opening test in Ae Forest was almost 14 miles in length. McLeod got off to a good start, despite a couple of hairy moments.

The Heathall stage was rough. McLeod struggled through here twice, as well as stages in Twiglees, Castle O'er and a run through Ae West to finish 44th overall, seventh in class.