For only the second time in 18 years there will be no British representation in the final of the European Cup. Holders Leeds exiting at the last four stage this week to a Pila side which will go on to make their debut in the final of the competition, the Poles—currently lying second in the European League—progressing by eight on aggregate following a 50-40 second leg home win over the Jaguars. Once again Belal Fabian (15) led Pila’s challenge, the Slovakian world number two adding to his unbeaten 18 point haul in the opener at the Hawthorne with five wins from five on more familiar shale this week, his fifth victory coming in a last heat 5-1 alongside Xenik Petrovich (12+1) which ensured Leeds would go the way of first round opponents Stowmarket. It’s now three straight maximums against British opposition for the 25 year old, form he’s looking to take with him into the SL32 GP series as he bids to go one better than last year and win the World Championship. Pila will take on Malmo in the battle of the European League top two for this years European Cup silverware, with the Swedes’ looking to add to their two previous wins in the competition when they take on the final debutants, their last victory came just two years ago when they beat Leeds over two legs in the SL30 decider. Like then Viktor Pohek leads the side, he scored 14 as Malmo completed a 28 point aggregate win over Oslo in the second of the semi-finals, he racing to four of the hosts 12 heat wins this week, another three went the way of reserve Jayden Smith (9), who’s career is on the up after a disappointing spell with Stowmarket.

A second away win of the campaign at Runcorn, and a third in all, has taken Wentworth back up to second in the division one table and to within a point of leaders Leeds. Promising form for the Trappers as they look forward to next weeks trip to Stowmarket, who lie third, just points difference behind them in the standings. It was their top four that did the majority of the damage at Linnets Park, second string Balder Erland heading the scoring with 13+1 in the lead quartet, which tallied 41 in contrast to their opposite numbers’ 29 combined score. Since the victory Trappers boss Brian McKnight has been busy in the transfer market as he bids to take the club to a maiden league title in SL32, Svenne Giesing joining from this weeks defeated hosts in a £75,000 deal, teenagers’ Shane Vernon (Runcorn) and One Dede (Cradley) have both moved on to top flight rivals. The defeat leaves Runcorn firmly ensconced in the relegation zone, just two points ahead of bottom side Wimbledon, who were held to a draw in their latest home fixture by Linlithgow. Dirk Miller top scored with 13 for the Scottish visitors, who have moved three points clear of the bottom three.

Two-time World Champion Piotr Slusarksi (13) began his bid to make in three successes in four years with victory in the opening GP of the SL32 season. Beverley’s £201,000 pre-season bargain signing was on course to score a maximum in the European round at Coalville, that until he suffered his first defeat of the contest in heat 17 with a loss of power on the final lap, which saw both Fiske Wahlquist (12) and Gustave Bolling (9) pass the 36 year old. The unexpected victory helped Wahlquist grab third spot on the podium in the meeting, with Slusarski forced into a race-off to face Belal Fabian for top spot. Just as in the main meeting Slusarski got the better of his expected rival for the title in the decider, leading for the full four laps on his second bike. Morgan Bird was the leading Brit on the night in fourth, the 25 year old impressing with three wins and an 11 point total.

Margate have given themselves a great chance of recording a KO Cup upset after limiting Coalville to just a 46-44 first leg win in their third round tie. A last heat 5-1 at Kings Meadow sending the third division visitors back to the coast happy, and with every chance of going on to take a place in the semi-finals next week.

Earley’s biggest away league win in over 11 years has given them renewed hope of survival in division two this season. The Gravediggers off the bottom for the first time in two months after the 36-54 win at Bradwell, who replace them at the foot of the standings. The Gravediggers riders dominated the clash with ten wins between them, second string Ryan Palin (9+2) picking up two on a night in which he dropped just a point to an opponent. Derby also enjoyed success on their travels in the division, the Bucks taking a tight meeting at Mid Cams, 44-46, thanks to a Samuel Hooper (14) last heat winning 4-2. In division three there were away wins for leaders Beverley (44-46 at struggling Didsbury Village) and Small Heath, who end the week in a season high second following a 38-52 success at Claygate.