A first leg lead of 16 points had become 20 following an opening heat 5-1 in the return. Surely Leeds would cruise into the semi-finals of the European Cup from here? Opponents Lublin weren’t about to roll over however, with the belief of a side that lifted the trophy five years ago—something Darren Evans side have yet to manage—they fought back impressively, proving nine of the next ten heat winners to move within four of their visitors total by the end of heat 11. Those victories were spread liberally through their side, six different heat winners providing four 5-1’s in that time. A fifth maximum in heat 13 from Kelle Lehtonen (10) and Olesia Majewski (13+1) would level the aggregate scores for the Poles, who had now made themselves favourites to reach the last four. Tying the scores up was one thing, taking the lead proved a little more difficult. Evans sent in Neil Burns (7+2) for an extra ride in heat 14, and his third tactical substitute of the meeting did the job, a great defensive performance from the Scot and Daniel Lake (10) earning Leeds a crucial second 5-1 to send them back four in front ahead of the final race. Just two points required from that to see them safe, it took some earning, but Aaron Macaulay (9+1) did by ending Lehtonen’s run of three straight victories. Leeds through to the semi finals once again. As are SL8 and 9 winners Coalville, who beat Horsens by the same 89-91 margin, with second string George Stevens (11) securing the Kings place in the last four when adding to his superb heat ten victory over Kasper Brander with a second win of the leg in heat 14.

Success in the European Cup, but Coalville have it all to do if they are to reach the quarter-finals of the KO Cup. Last years runners-up defeated 52-38 at Normanton, a side that have yet to go beyond the second round stage, something they are now favourites to do following their first leg success. Toni Lauri (15) scored a maximum for the Wallers, he winning heat one, ten and 13 5-1’s scored by the hosts, 31 year old second string Tommy Grambo (8+2) partnering him in the first two. Norwegian Grambo—who spent his first four years of his career with Coalville, featuring in two WU21 finals in that time—also won the fourth of the 5-1’s earned by Normanton in heat eight. Two more top flight sides also have ground to make up against lower division opposition after second round first leg defeats on the road, four-times winners Stowmarket—who are looking to reach the quarter-finals for the 13th successive season—were beaten at Claygate 49-41 this week, where Bears second string Daniel Bailey (14) dropped just a point. While Dudley went down 48-42 on their visit to lowly Swindon, who have made in passed the second round just once in 22 years!

Dudley suffered the first of their three competitive defeats in the week with the league visit of Wentworth. The in-form Trappers—who have now lost just one of their last ten competitive meetings—scoring three first half 5-1’s on their way to a 43-47 victory, two of which were provided by their partnership at three and four, Yevgeni Moroz (13+1) and Magnar Sobczak (8+1). Between them the two riders also won three of the last four races, which secured their side it’s third away win of the campaign. Wentworth remain third, but have cut the gap to leaders Leeds to four points in the week, Stowmarket’s deficit to the Jags meanwhile is down to just a single point as they picked up maximum points from their latest fixtures. Three were returned at Wimbledon, 44-46, courtesy of a last heat second place finish from Lasse Classen (12). Earlier Classen and Christopher Hall (12) had both picked up a brace of victories in a four race meeting defining run, which turned a four point deficit in into a six point lead for the Witches.

A four-time GP podium topper, twice a WU21 Champion, but never a Scandinavian Final winner. Until now that is. World number seven Stig Martinson (12) at last getting his hands on the illusive silverware after four previous minor podium finishes. Eastbourne’s number one topped the standings in Malmo by a point from Vaino Koistinen (2nd) and Toni Lauri (3rd), the trio all qualifying for this years GP series. As do the top three from the Continental Final in Pila, they led by home rider Belal Fabian (12), world number five Piotr Slusarski (11) was second, Oliver Schmidt (11) third.

A second successive home defeat for Bradwell leaves them just points difference above the division two relegation zone. Brickhill 44-46 victors at The Hideout, in a meeting in which 18 year old reserve Joseph Hicks scored a career best matching 9+2. In division three Hale extended their advantage at the top to six points with the help of a 43-47 win at Small Heath, a meeting they had trailed in by eight after heat four. Meanwhile second Daniel Bailey (13+1) and reserve Nathan Harris (10+1) starred as Claygate won at Bolsover, 40-49.