JACK Walby, on only his second event, finished a very impressive 3rd in the Gwynnespeed C2 Challenge on last weekend's two day TSH Stages in Cornwall.

Walby was competing with his co-driver Mark Watkins in the BG Land Rovers and NJ Autos backed Citroen C2.

The South Hams Motor Club organized event attracted 90 entries, including 12 Citroen C2s in the challenge, for 85 competitive miles within RAF Portreath.

Day one consisted of six tests totalling some 30 miles, with day two offering eight tests and another 55 miles.

At the end of the opening day the Broadwell youngster held 5th in the C2 class.

"Day one was a bit messy, I couldn't seem to get into any rhythm on the stages," said Walby

Sunday's second leg went much better and saw Walby and Watkins climb up to 3rd after 85 tough miles.

Walby said: "Today went much better, the stages suited me more.

"I got a kick up the backside after day one so got my head down and pushed on a bit."

"But we're still struggling with the gearbox costing me time.

"A lot of the cars have a close ratio 'box, but I'm not in a position to buy one.

"But I'm really pleased with the result this weekend."

The weekend also saw the Plains National Rally Round 4 of both the BTRDA and Welsh series, and attracted a very high quality entry of 175 cars to its Welshpool base for 45 miles in both Dyfi and Aberhirnant forestry complexes.

Top local honours went to the Lancer Evo 9 of Sacha Kakad and Andrew Price with 28th overall and 12th in class. Just two places behind were Mark Griffiths and Will Rogers in the Escort RS1800, taking third in class B11 as well.

Jason Gardner and Graham Cox also took third in class H2 in their MK1 RS1600 and 69th overall.

Unfortunately Bob Morgan and Ade Williams retired during stage three, after ripping a wheel off their Winner Garage Skoda Evo S2000.