HEREFORDSHIRE Motor Club were represented by two crews on the ALMC Stages Rally near Dublin.

Darren and Sue Underwood drove their Crystal Images Awards Escort G3 two-litre but experienced a 360 degree spin on the opening test due to the roads being wet and slippy, costing them 20 seconds.

Roger Moran, who was teaming up with Ashley Trimble in his Moran Motorhomes Escort, was piloting his Escort MkII and had a good run over the first three stages, settling well into the rally with his new co-driver. The route consisted of 75 competitive miles over nine tests – a compact route of three stages each held three times.

With drying conditions, the Underwood's went onto the second loop and immediately took almost a minute and a half off their previous time.

However, while under braking for a tightened junction on stage five, they hit a gully across the road which resulted in the car loosing valuable stopping distance and they had a massive overshoot into the escape road costing nearly 30 seconds.

A further two miles along the stage, that car spun and threw up a lot of dust, then the Escort G3 again struggled stopping for the junction hitting a grass bank and causing a puncture. The husband and wife team continued to the stage finish loosing further time but surviving the stage.

With a spare wheel fitted they were able to complete the next test before heading back to service.

Moran's loop was less dramatic and, with Trimble, was making good progress in the overall results, on Moran's first visit to the Irish lanes.

The Underwoods were hoping to have a push on the final loop to regain some time but unfortunately due to an incident and then time constraints on reopening the roads, the last three stages were cancelled.

The finish at Trim saw Moran and Trimble end the event 19th overall and fifth in class, while the Underwoods were a disappointing 43rd overall and eight in class, from an entry of 96 crews. But regarding MSA REIS Championship points, the Underwood's are both second in Class and also leading the Rear Wheel Drive category, whilst overall Darren is 13th and Sue 6th.

Moran only has one score from the three rounds and is lying 25th overall.

The next Championship event sees the crews head to Otterburn military ranges Northumberland on August 2.