Calderwood and Claygate had already qualified for the Division Three Cup semi-finals prior to this weeks final round of fixtures. They were joined in the last four by Beverley and Small Heath—the top two finishers in Group B—the latter courtesy of results involving other clubs as they had already completed their meetings. Seven group points enough for the Vikings, with Beverley topping the section after doubling their total to eight thanks to a double-bonus point claiming 55-35 victory over Bolsover. A last heat 5-1 from unbeaten Piotr Slusarski (15) and second string Harry Bland (10+1) saw Ian Adamson’s Hammers snatch the second extra group point and top spot, setting them up with a last four tie with Claygate.

After a near exit in the Continental Final, there was no such drama for defending World Champion Piotr Slusarksi (12) as he safely made it through to the GP series for a fourth successive season this week on his home Eastbourne circuit. The 36 year old grabbed his second shot at qualification in the Play Off round, he finishing runner-up in the meeting to Kassel’s improving 25 year old Swede, Johan Winberg (13), who raced to four heat wins on his way to his maiden career WSO success. Slusarski—who is bidding to win a third world title in SL32—is one of just five riders from last season’s GP’s to return for this years renewal, a series which will feature eight Grand Prix debutants. Amongst their number is Brickhill and England rider Morgan Bird (9), who qualified from seventh at Eastbourne. Bird is one of four home nation riders in the field.

No positional changes in division one as all ten meetings in the latest rounds ended in victories to the home teams. Wentworth came closest to taking some vital away points, but ended up on the wrong end of a 46-44 score having led going into the last heat of their clash at Brickhill, Morgan Bird (9) and Hakon Sylte (10+1) saving the day by scoring the hosts third 5-1 of the clash. In division two there was just one away win, that going the way of Greenhill with Bailey Fellows side recovering from four down to take both points at Bradwell, 44-46. The Lurchers scored three 5-1’s on their way to their second away victory of the campaign, Russell Lewis (11) and 19 year old second string Petter Kahr (5+2) racing to the first two.

Small Heath have built a four point gap between themselves in third and the chasing pack, as they continue to look good in their bid to win promotion for the first time after three years in division three. David Norwood’s side are on a run of just one defeat in seven in the league, their latest victory returned in a crunch promotion clash at Normanton, where Edvard Kraschowitz top scored with 12+1. Stephan Beck also impressed for the visitors, the 23 year old—who recently joined on loan from Coalville—finished with a best of 8+3 for his new side after taking second in a match winning heat 14 5-1 behind Jur Kleir. Normanton had earlier won at bottom side Kelso, 44-46, despite Uslin Slutzky scoring just one from his four rides on debut.