Gould wins again as only eight make the finish at Bovington Camp

Organiser: Marches 4x4 When: September 9 Where: Bovington Camp, Dorset Championships: British Cross Country Championship/ Freelander Challenge/ BCC Trophy Runs: 14 Starters: 28.

Martin Gould overcame several car problems to land his fourth win of the season to take him to the brink of retaining his British Cross Country title.

There was close competition on day one with Gould, Ben Duckworth, Justin Birchall and Andy Deguilio all challenging for the top spot. Deguilio’s hopes of a win were dashed when he was forced to retire his Milner R5 after the front differential failed.

It was Gould who led the way at the end of the day, 13 seconds ahead of Duckworth (Millner LRM-1) with Birchall in third a further 16 seconds behind.

Birchall’s event ended after the first run of day two when a sensor broke and, with Duckworth having fuel pressure issues, Gould extended his lead.

“We had our fair share of problems including a broken gearstick linkage and oil issues,” said Gould. “I’m pleased with the result, it was an extremely tough course.”

Results

1 Martin Gould/ Simon Kerfoot (Buxton 4x4 Rivet) 1h55m14s; 2 Ben Duckworth/ Matt Cook (Milner LRM-1) +3m04s; 3 Mark Jacques/adam Nicholson (Lofthouse Freelander); 4 Rob Bool/aaron Burch (AT Challenger); 5 Paul Myers/ Martin Myers (Land Rover Tornado); 6 Steve Smith/john Griffith (JRG Clio V8); 7 Ryan Cooke/ Darren Cooke (Milner LRM-1); 8 Richard Coleby (Polaris RZR XP Turbo).