Thorburn wins Merrick Stagesposted in RSCOT06 | 09 | 2014

SCOTTISH RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP leader Euan Thorburn (pictured) bagged his third win of the season when he cruised to victory on today's Merrick Stages in Wigtown.

But the Duns ace, driving his Ford Focus World Rally Car, was aided by the misfortune which hit five-times Scottish champ David Bogie.

The Dumfries driver, piloting his Ford Fiesta R5, dropped 35 seconds on the second stage, the 12.6-miler at Drumjohn, when his car suffered a front left puncture.

"That essentially ruined any hopes we had of winning the rally," Bogie, who fought back to finish third, just 37s behind title rival Thorburn, admitted afterwards.

"We were really up for this one, but it wasn't to be. After the puncture, we drove the car hard to the end of the stage and the flailing rubber damaged the car's bodywork and wheel rim.

"Hat's off to Euan, he got the job done today, and he's set up a thrilling finale to the year. Now it's all down to the final two rallies of the season."

Thorburn — who finished a comfortable 35s ahead of the Mitsubishi of second-placed Mike Faulkner from Kirtlebridge — has extended his lead in the title race to 31 points. Both he and Bogie have each won three of the opening six rounds.

And naturally, Thorburn was delighted with the result.

"This was crucial to my championship hopes," he admitted. "Now we're both tied on three wins each, it means we  go in to the final two rallies with everything to win.

"I was agrressive through the opening stage and clocked the fastest time, so I'm confident that even without the difficulties David had in the second stage I'd have been setting the pace.

"We're definitely in for a hell of a finale!"

Related: David Bogie wins Speyside Stages

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Jim McGill