Jones and James beat onform Saxo duo to Traws win

Gareth Hall Memorial Rally

Organiser: Bala & District MC When: August 27 Where: Trawsfynydd Ranges, Gwynedd, Wales Championships: ANWCC, Gwynnespeed Challenge, Trawsfynydd Challenge Stages: 12 Starters: 33

In a close fight, Len Jones/don James’ Ford Escort narrowly fended off the Class B Citroen Saxo of Mathew Roberts/sarah Edwards in the Trawfynydd-based Gareth Hall Memorial Stages Rally.

Both crews took five stage wins, with the Saxo crew particularly impressive in their front-wheel-drive machine with their best overall result of the year so far.

Early leader and preparation expert Geoff Jones – co-driven by Kylie Evans, who won the co-driving seat through a charity auction on ebay in aid of the Welsh Air Ambulance – recovered to third after losing 30 seconds due to a plug lead coming off after a hefty yump. Fastest times on SS7 and SS12 helped the comeback.

Just three seconds covered the next four crews. David Paveley/andy Bull finished fourth in their Mitsubishi Lancer. Paveley recently had a short test at the venue but hadn’t competed at Trawfynydd since 1996.

Gary Edgington/ifan Roberts (Peugeot 106) tied with Paveley with the latter getting the result having been faster on the first stage.

Just one second behind was another 106, this one steered by Chris Phillips/sarah Hughes. Eryl Pritchard/john Arwyn Jones were the first Subaru Impreza crew, two seconds behind in seventh.

Andy Williams/andy Darlington (Subaru Impreza) finished eighth, ahead of the Lancer of Daniel Owen/tim Gill with the Class A-winning Peugeot 106 of Gareth Roberts/martyn Quant inside the final top 10. Top seeds Ken Pugh/keith Morris (Mitsubishi Lancer) were in contention after the first loop of four stages but succumbed to steering issues.

The 1600 class is always a close battle at Trawsfynydd, Roberts/edwards giantkilling with second overall, whilst Edington/ Roberts just pipped Phillips/hughes for the runner-up spot.