MOTORSPORT: Bewdley's Matt Barker has taken control of the National Peugeot 205 Challenge for the West Midlands Motorsport team despite being a novice driver.

Barker, up against expert-class opponents, was always in charge in the third round at Blyton rally cross circuit, near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire.

Fellow Bewdley man and team-mate Ben Colley finished second as the duo dominated the competition with Ian Winstanley and Christian Prinn.

Barker, 31, used to navigate for Wolverley rally driver Robert Archer but has taken the wheel himself this season for the first time.

He admitted: "I wasn't expecting to be as competitive so quickly but I will be quite happy to compete at the top for the rest of the championships.

"It puts me in a strong position. Although the next stage is forest rallying, it doesn't daunt me at all and I'm looking forward to the challenge.

"My dad John used to rally so I come from a rallying background and have always been helping or navigating.

"I would like to thank West Midlands Motorsport for all their support."

The team is Wyre Forest-run with local men David Bromley, Anthony Palmer, Adrian Baker and Simon Hawthorn behind the scenes.

Kidderminster Motorcar Club member Barker recorded two impressive wins from his three qualifying runs.

In his first race from the front row, he took the lead and never looked back until he took the chequered flag.

He fought his way up to third from the back of the grid in another heat and then produced the drive of the day from a second-row position.

Barker took the lead before powering his way to a fine win along with the fastest time of the day and pole position in the final.

Colley, 19, joined him in the front row with Ireland-based team-mate David Crossen on the second.

Barker immediately took the lead to win over five hectic laps with Colley second and Crossen fourth.

In the super final, the first for seven years, Barker again took the first flag.

The next round will be a testing forest rally at Swansea on July 20.