THE BORDER Counties Rally, held over two days last weekend in the infamous

Keilder Forest, turned out to be a disappointing event for Nik Elsmore

and Craig Drew in the Hydrex Lancer EVO9. Friday night' two stages went well in the darkness despite fog causing a few problems. They arrived back in Jedburgh 7th overall and 3rd EVO. Saturday started with them achieving 2nd fastest Group N time through three stages. They dropped 15 seconds on

the next test, having caught Charlie Payne limping out the stage SS5.

The long 15 miler in Harwood saw disaster for Elsmore, he had a puncture

after three miles but decided to drive on. However, after seven miles the pair had to stop and change it, eventually dropping seven minutes. This meant they plummetted to 10th place overall, and 5th EVO. In the final two tests they set quick times but arrived back at the finish a very disappointing 10th overall and 5th EVO. The next round of the series will be the Pirelli National Rally on April 18th.This weekend a host of local crews will tackle the Bulldog Rally. Four different events are taking place over the classic Mid-Wales forests. Cheltenham duo, Nick Elliot and Dave Price in the Ellands Plant Hire Escort RS compete in the historic event. Hot on their heels will be 2007 Historic Champion David Stokes and Guy Weaver in the Draycott Bakeries Escort RS 1600, and Jeremy Wells and Martin Saunders in the MK1 RS2000. Cliff Simmons will be with Simon Tysoe in the immaculate Escort RS. In the Clubman event will be Bob Morgan and Ade Williams in the Winner Garage Subaru Imprezza N12. Andy Gwynne and Holly Robinson willbe doing the BRC Challenge Event in the awesome sounding Citroen Saxo.