In a season dominated by Timperley it’s Eastbourne we’re once again talking about as the campaign draws to a close. There’s no doubting that the Titans have been the team of SL31, they crowned league champions way before the final wheel was turned, as well as nabbing the European Cup from SL30 winners Eastbourne. And after limiting the Hyenas to just a two point win in the first leg of the KO Cup final on the south coast, it looked as though they would do the same in that competition also, but it was not to be for Garry Robinson’s side, the Hyenas were still alive and kicking. Already with a record three successive KO Cup victories under their belts, they made it an historic four in a row with a draw at the Robinson Arena. In completing a two point aggregate victory over the Titans they extended their winning run to a remarkable 17 ties, a sequence that began with a first round win over Birstall way back in SL28. Jonathan Turnbull (5+1)—as a 17 year old—made up the numbers that day, he and Harry Myers (16) that only riders from the side that beat the Bulls nearly four years ago to appear for the Hyenas this week. Both played their part late on as the visitors to Timperley fought back from six down to take a decisive draw, with Turnbull—now 20—crucially beating home heat leader Petr Bonus (5+1) to land a 4-2 in heat 12. Still the visitors trailed by two on aggregate heading into heat 15, but the situation flipped with a 5-1 in the last going the visitors way, Myers leading around Kasper Larsen (10+1) for the maximum which would seal the remarkable success.

Not many would have identified Luca Romano as a likely World Champion at the start of the season. The Italian—who joined Greenhill from Wimbledon for just £175,000 at the beginning of SL28—has quietly gone about his business though to take the crown with ease, adding three GP victories to successes in both the Continental semi-final and final. The 29 year old may have shunned the limelight in the past, that is now no longer an option, he will now be the focus of attention where ever he goes. Romano scored just five points in the final round of the GP series in Krakow, but still he finished seven clear of both outgoing champion, Dusan Hobler and Davin Bjorge. Hobler finished as runner-up on count-back courtesy of his success in Poland, the Stone Cross and Czech rider winning a race-off against Bjorge to claim only his second career GP victory.

There were Russian flags waving at Rugby as home track rider Lesta Romanoff (13) came out on top in this years World Under 21 Final. Home rider a loose term for the 20 year old, who has only been with the Royals for half the season, he having signed from Nottingham for £1/2million mid way through SL31. That his second move of the campaign for such a fee, having only joined the Red Knights at the start of the campaign from Timperley. Romanoff beat Swedish and Dundee teenager Patrik Hillstrom in a race-off to take the title—his second at this level of his career—as he also did when the two riders met in heat three. The unluckiest man on the night was Juhani Makinen (12), a retirement from the lead cost him any points in heat two, and he could only recover to claim third in the final despite winning all four of his remaining heats.

Sawley will race in division one for the third time in five years after securing yet another promotion. They’ll count themselves very lucky to be though, with points difference separating themselves in third and fourth placed Liden in the final standings. Sawley lost their final day encounter at home to Auckland, 43-47, but crucially had claimed the bonus in an earlier defeat at Burrett Road to take their total onto 48. Liden reached 48 with a draw at Wolverton, they had needed a 5-1 in the last to take victory at the Wolves and snatch promotion, but could only manage a 4-2. Meanwhile Auckland’s success at Sawley, secured with a last heat 4-2, earned them an unlikely division two title, they going top of the standings for the first time this season with the win, as Dundee lost at home to Birstall, 39-51!

The bonus point from their a 46-44 defeat at Lakeside secured Grangemouth a top three finish in division three. After successive relegations the Oilers can celebrate a promotion in SL31, albeit having finished some 21 points off the pace set by third tier champions Sunderland. Disappointing news though has come out of the north-east, with the closure of the Stars—who also won the Division Three Cup this season—confirmed after 21 years. Their demised means that fourth placed Purton will race in division two next year.

Swinton’s penultimate round win over Greenhill confirmed the relegations from the top flight of both Nottingham and Bullbridge. In division two Halesowen, Burrett Road and Wolverton were all relegated as rivals Birstall picked up the maximum six points this week.