Bird sings for a win on Malcolm Wilson

Bird lost ground to Petch on the first stage after forgetting to switch his active differential on, but he set rapid times on the following two stages to hold the lead into the first service. The two cars proved evenly matched after two runs through Grizedale, but Bird seized the initiative with a stunning run through Hobcarton, although a spin on the final stage nearly cost him the event.

Graham Middleton and John Morgan had a steady run to third overall in their Evo 1 Hyundai Accent WRC, but took maximum Gold Star points to increase Middleton's series lead because neither Bird nor Dugdale are registered.

"The stages were quite rough and I'm very surprised there weren't more punctures," said Middleton. "It's been a good day and we've got maximum Gold Star points, but I'll have to increase the spec of the car, because it's old in rallying terms."

Dougi Hall and Steve Egglestone finished fourth overall in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI, while Shaun Gardener and Dave Brick cemented second spot in the overall standings with fifth in their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V.

Phil and Michael Squires shrugged off a number of minor mechanical problems with their Ford Escort to lead home the similar machine of Robin Bradbury and Phil Wakely by four seconds for honours in the Silver Star class. Points leader Bradbury lost ground over the final three stages with worn tyres. Keith Wilde and John Howells finished third in their Escort.

Ian Evans and Justin Brookes took a comfortable two-minute win in their Suzuki Ignis in the Silkolene 1400 class after their major rivals struck trouble. James Wozencroft was forced out on the first stage after hitting a tree, while Malcolm Hague and Dave Read were forced to settle for second spot in their Ford Escort after day-long gearbox troubles.