“A battle that’s too close to call”
It’s a tough one to call, isn’t it? After the Trackrod, I was convinced Matt Edwards had the championship sewn up. That run through Dalby in the dark was absolutely epic and built the foundations for Edwards to record a crushing win over the rest. But then Mull happened. Quite how Edwards managed to throw it off so carelessly maybe only he’ll know, but it presented Osian Pryce with an opportunity he wasn’t going to miss. Having watched the Cambrian onboard,
I don’t think Edwards could’ve avoided trouble – he himself said: “I didn’t really do anything wrong.”
Would Edwards have won without that misdemeanour? Maybe, but talk I’ve heard that Pryce inherited that victory is triggering. He destroyed Edwards on SS1 on a rally nobody tipped him to win and there’s nothing to suggest Pryce couldn’t have matched Edwards’ impending afternoon charge. He found his confidence at an incisive moment.
Regardless of your favourites, the title climax we have in store is enthralling. However, if Pryce does miss out it’ll be hard not to feel for him. Although Edwards has been the quickest driver across the season and some of the misfortune
(the Grampian engine problem as well as the Cambrian bump) that’s afflicted him wasn’t his fault, Pryce’s championship management has been second-to-none.
I’m not sure if it’s totally fair that he has essentially the same opportunity as Edwards to win the title. That’s not to demean Edwards’ campaign, but for me consistency should be a massive factor in a championship. Pryce has had two thirds, two seconds and two firsts, yet two of his thirds are basically irrelevant. He’s in effect wasted effort – and money – by contesting two rallies and may not even win the title. Perhaps Pryce is just unfortunate that Edwards’ capitulations have occurred later in the season where the entry has been thinner.
Edwards would be a totally deserving champion too though, just for the desire he’s shown to keep his bid alive if nothing else. His skills as a mechanic have come to the fore on the last two events, and he’s done superbly to keep himself in the frame. Several other drivers would have just called it a day. We were all working out the maths in Llandudno last month and assuming Edwards had lost it, but he kept his Polo going and has been rewarded with a shot at glory.
I suspect Edwards will be pushing at 101% and Pryce at 99% on Ulster. Who’ll ultimately win?
I’ve spied a particularly comfy fence over there that I intend to sit on…