THE Herefordshire crew of Chris Powell and Jim Lewis came away with a host of silverware from the National Rally, part of the Wales Rally GB.

Held over Friday and Saturday, the stages offered the 65 crews some 83 competitive miles over the two days.

Driving their Herefordshire Raceway 1400 Sunbeam, the pair finished a superb fourth overall, first two-wheel drive and first in class B1.

Despite a couple of spins in difficult conditions on day one, the duo tried to keep the pressure on their rivals.

On day two the pairing just tried to keep out of trouble as the mist and rain rolled in eventually finishing high up the prize list.

"We're really pleased with that," said Lewis.

"The car never missed a beat, we just tried to keep a good pace and avoid punctures on the long Saturday stages.

"Thanks to the service crew for keeping us going."

Perry Gardner with new co-driver Rhys Stoneman saw their hopes dented by mechanical problems.

In the TNT Tyres Fiesta R2, the pair got off to a good start with eighth fastest on stage one.

However, they hit a bank in Penmachno and broke a steering arm which ended their day one involvement.

With the car repaired, the duo set some very good times on day two's three long tests to finish 36th and sixth in class.

"We enjoyed stage one but were disappointed with what happened on the next one," said Gardner.

"Saturday's loop was good, the stages were getting a bit rough but we set some good times."

For Hereford based Simon Dalton and Monmouth's Jamie Vaughan their Friday's leg was over before it started.

Driveshaft failure in their Subaru N12 on the road section out of Llandudno saw their hopes blown. However, the duo used the 'super rally' rule and restarted on Saturday for the three long stages.

They set the 10th fastest time in the 26 kilometres of Dyfi.

On the next test in Myherin the pairing stopped to help a fellow competitor who's car was on fire and they were given a notional time of ninth fastest.

On the final 25km stage of Sweet Lamb, Hafren, the duo pushed hard, but lost 20 seconds with spin and a trip into a bank.

They still set the ninth fastest time and were classified 40th overall at the finish.