JULIAN Wilkes & Will Rutherford were in a class of their own in the 1400s battle, getting their Nova VXR190 to the finish line some 1min 28secs ahead of runners-up Darren Pinchin & Karen Watts (Proton Satria). Julian & Will were an impressive 32nd overall.

They were fastest in class on the first stage and maintained that advantage for the remainder of the event.

The Proton of Darren Pinchin & Karen Watts suffered from a lack of brakes for much of the rally, but the pair kept going to claim maximum BTRDA and Welsh Championship points (Wilkes not registered). Karen was also the top Gloucestershire co-driver.

Justin Lawson & Paul Hargreaves (Nova) returned third, a further seven seconds adrift.

Plenty of Forest crews were delighted to make the top 20 in this class, with Ed Robinson & Mark Watkins (Peugeot 106) coming an excellent ninth, Dan Gray & Rob Tuckwell (Peugeot 106) returning 12th, and Steve Jenkins & Mark Vaughan pushing their Saxo into 15th spot.

Ed & Mark won class 1400C, with Steve Jenkins & Mark Vaughan third.

Shane Parry & Stuart Akers came 19th in their Peugeot 106, but second overall in class L behind the MGZR of James Weaver & Teresa Butler.

Eric Davis & Russell Joseph (Mini) had a difficult day, but got to the finish line in 22nd spot.