DAMIAN Cole and Craig Drew won The ALMC Stages Rally in Dublin last weekend by 13 seconds

The rally developed into a battle between Cole and second-placed Michael Barrable both driving similar Ford Focus WRC cars.

Cole started slowly getting used to the Irish tarmacadam which is a little different to that found elsewhere.

Tyre choices were important with the first two stages of the nine running dry but rain soaked stage three. Warming to the task in hand Cole set the fastest time on the third stage.

After stage six Cole and Drew decided to drive for maximum points as Barrable was not registered for championship points.

After setting fastest times on stages seven and eight, Cole had a problem before the final stage and had to switch off the engine to cool down before starting.

Getting to the end of stage nine Cole's engine stopped, but restarting the crew made their way to the winner's podium in Dublin.

With four maximum scores on the last four rounds of the Richard Eggar Insurance MSA Asphalt Rally Champs, Damian and Craig lead the Championship.

With four rounds to go will this be Cole's year? The next event is The Tyneside Stages before returning to Wales for The Mewla Rally on the Epynt Ranges.