Fastest times on every single one of the remaining stages underlined the youngsters' raw pace, and considering the difficult nature of the event his win was well deserved.
"Considering the rough nature of today's rally I am happy just to have finished but to win in these conditions is brilliant as it really has got my championship back on track," he noted. "It's a pity Marcus went out as we were all set to have an event long battle but that's how it goes I guess."
Roger Duckworth, keen on maintaining his place at the top of the points table, ran a relatively conservative rally, but was still quick enough to equal Middleton's time on the penultimate stage.
Further down the field a battle royal was developing for Group N honours with 3 different stage winners on the 5 stages. Rob Smith took an early lead but was challenged by both Alistair Tough, in a similar Subaru, and Mitsubishi Cup leader Anthony Willmington, eventually finishing 9 seconds ahead of Tough. Fourth in class went to Stephen Petch Junior, who was slowed with 2 punctures, but still took two fastest stage times on his way to second in the Mitsubishi Cup.
With only the season finale, the Bulldog Rally, left to go three drivers are still in with a strong chance at the title and as such the Welsh event, run on the October 21, is one not to be missed.
Picture credits: Geoff Mayes Images - www.geoffmayesimages.com
![Craig Middleton [Pic credit: Geoff Mayes Images - www.geoffmayesimages.com]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/263456.jpg)
