THERE was a strong entry in the Dukeries Rally after the foot and mouth epidemic caused the cancellation of the four previous rounds of the raceandrally.com 1400 Championship.

The rally, famous for its narrow and challenging forest tracks through Sherwood Forest, was fast and competitive from the start.

Bromsgrove's Nathan Crewe made a good start in the Nailers Arms Rest-aurant/Bournheath Van Centre-backed Escort which was at the front of the field on the smoother roads.

Apart from a spin there were few incidents to faze the crew of the Cottrill Transport prepared car.

At the halfway point a rare error by co-driver Chris Clifford meant the pair incurred a one-minute penalty dropping them to 20th overall.

The afternoon stages saw a heroic battle by the Bromsgrove pair as they gained seventh overall and collected a trophy for third in class.

The next round of the championship is the Woodpecker Stages on September 1 in the forests surrounding Ludlow.

Check out the duo's progress in the Advertiser/Messenger.