Tom Cave delivered a perfect performance in Saturday’s Armstrong Galloway Hills Rally, setting the fastest time on all of the event’s eight stages and recording his third victory of the season by nearly a minute.

However it was all in vain for the Aberdovey star as defending British Rally Championship (BRC) champion Matt Edwards finished third to do hold onto his title.

With Edwards ahead on points any finish above seventh had meant the title would remain his.

Cave and co-driver Dale Bowen did all they could but had to settle for second place.

Based in the forests of southwest Scotland, the rally comprised of nine stages and 71 competitive miles over some of the most demanding gravel roads in the UK.

With organisers cancelling the ninth and final stage, Cave and Bowen crossed the finish line to record their third British Rally Championship victory of the season.

Cave said: “To be quickest on all the stages and win without any problems is the best result you can hope for.

“We pushed from the start and did everything we could today to keep a grip on the title, but the difference in points between Matt and I was just too much.

“We didn’t lose the title today, it was the DNFs on round one, the Cambrian Rally and round five in Ulster that set us back.

“To have completely rebuilt the Hyundai following our off in Ulster is a fantastic achievement and testimony to the PCRS team’s hard work and professionalism. Saturday’s win was for them.

“After three victories we’ve proved the Hyundai is capable of winning in the British Rally Championship.

“While we didn’t quite get our hands on the title, it’s great to have finished the season on a high.”

Cave ans Bowen are next in action at the forthcoming Wales Rally GB between October 3-6.