Engine issues force Ross out

Marlborough drivers had a mixed weekend of results at the Catlins Coast Rally just south of Balclutha last Saturday, stage three proving unlucky for both Kaikoura's Regan Ross and Blenheim's Richard Bateman.

Leading after stage two, second seed Ross and co-driver Tania Lloyd encountered engine problems on the third stage, and although they managed to nurse the car to the end of the stage, were forced to retire completely from the rally.

Eighth seed Bateman and co-driver Sharisse Guckert were in good shape after the first two stages early on Saturday, until a small mistake on one corner of the wet and muddy Catlins Coast roads left them stuck on a bank, costing them over two minutes.

Bateman said although they fought back well, he was left slightly frustrated with a "silly mistake" caused by over exuberance on his part. There were some positives to take from the event, though, said Bateman. They managed to pick up the third fastest time on the final stage and their ninth place finish earned them a win in their class and second overall for Mainland series competitors at the rally.

Marlborough's other competitor at the rally, Blenheim's Jim Vause exceeded expectations to finish one place ahead of Bateman in eighth. Vause and co-driver, son Andy, were seeded a lowly 15th and performed superbly in their Mitsubishi Evo 3.

As expected, the rally was dominated by local drivers, as Andrew Graves and Paul Cross, both of Gore, finished first and second, respectively, with Dunedin's Steve Wellington in third.

- The Marlborough Express