Mixed weather conditions persisted through the final two stages of the Wexford Rally's first day. Some drivers were caught in heavy rain, some got away not too badly.

Overnight leader Eamonn Boland told us: "We had an overshoot on the first junction on the first stage after service, stage 7, and it coust us fifteen seconds. The conditions were brutal - you couldn't see where you were going, and we were on the wrong tyres - intermediates. Still, not a bother, tomorrow's another day!"

Melvyn Evans was just a tad disappointed to be lying second at the overnight halt.

Melvyn, putting in a great performace in the day, told us: "We eased back slightly over the last couple of stages, the radiator is pressurising and the temperature is up. Then we had to run a few miles behind Gary Midwinter when we caught up with him."

Gary Midwinter was mortified at being caught in stage seven, but he was on the wrong tyres for he conditions.

Third-placed Pete Doughty did manage to get out of the Enniscorthy service station with a time penalty after changing his gearbox. Pete recounting: "We were able to borrow a starter off Eamonn Boland, but part of the problem was also the gearbox p*ss*ng oil onto the clutch, so we changed the box, and the clutch burnt itself dry, so we're cooking with gas now!"

Fourth-placed Bob Fowden had a lucky escape on stage eight when his Escort WRC bounced in and out of a ditch, sustaining a small bit of damage. The Welshman was also troubled by alternator and anti-lag difficulties.

Safety Devices Championship leader John Price was in subdued form as he parked his Metro 6R4 here at the Talbot Hotel, and said: "We just kept going today, the car was good, never missed a beat. But it's trickier tomorrow - another rally."

Chasing John for the 1999 title is Chris Wood in the McKinstry Subaru, and he said: "I'm working my way into this new car, new stages, new co-driver. The car's more than capable, I just haven't committed too much, but I reckon I'm on Championship course."

Gavin Harris continues to lead the Group N category, and still reports no troubles. Ray Breen said: "We're getting there, especially after the suspension was softened off." Dewi Bowen in the Corsa has stopped, Jimmy Lambert has thumped the back quarter panel, but continues to lead the 1600 category.

John Treacy continues his brilliant run to lead Class 11, and unofficially we have David James second, and Guy Woodcock third in the Astra. David James reckoned he had only two good stages today, as the car lapsed onto two cylinders.

Donie O'Sullivan has more brake troubles - more on this in the morning....