Fresh from his European Cup heroics it was that man Vayk Kari (12) once again that starred as West Ham made progress towards more club silverware. The two-times defending champions have made it through to the KO Cup final for the third successive season and the sixth time in eight years, they progressing to the decider from their last four tie with Desford by three on aggregate, that after they held their return leg hosts to a 47-42 ‘win’ in Leicestershire this week. A win on the night, but a second exit at this stage in three years assured for the Dynamos with a race to spare when Kari pounced on Pasi Laaksonen (8+1) coming out of the final bend on lap four to grab his third race victory of the night, the 31 year old—who’d already claimed the scalps of Dean Croxton (8+2) and Igor Maslow (10) with similar moves earlier on in the contest—greeted with a huge outpouring of support as he tried to make his way back to the pits, riders, crew and management alike all wanting to congratulate the Dockers stalwart. Promoter Steve Hebden was amongst the gaggle, a first league title since SL8 maybe just slipping out of reach, but as long as the silverware keeps coming—having already won the European Cup the club are now into the finals of the KO Cup, 4TT and Division One Cup—he’ll be happy. West Ham will go into the final as slight favourites, opponents Kent though will fancy their own chances after coming through their last four tie against Bracklesham with ease, Milos Hubenak (13) top scored for them as they completed an 18 point semi-final aggregate win with a 42-48 victory on their travels this week.

One side certain to race in division one next season are Lane End. Two seasons into their league existence and it’s two promotions won by Brian McKnight’s Trappers, who are already certain to finish in the top three of the second tier standings despite having six meetings left to ride. A 44-46 victory at Wirral has taken them over the line in double quick time, they became the first side in the country to earn promotion this season after Thorsten Moser (16) and Daniel Mucha (13+3) wrapped up their sixth away league win of the campaign—they’ve also drawn three on the road—with a last heat 5-1. Lane End can now concentrate fully on their appearance in the 4TT final next month, when they’ll be looking to become the first side from outside of the top flight to lift the trophy in 27 years!

In-form Liden are set to repeat Land End’s feat of a second successive promotion. The Wildcats—in second—moving 14 points clear of fourth placed Dover (36 points) after recording their fifth win in their last seven meetings on the road. Wordsley (33)—who slip from fifth to seventh—losing out on home shale to Liden, 40-49, a result which leaves them just three points above the drop zone. Desford (34) are also heading in the wrong direction, their promotion hopes suffering a blow with a 44-45 home loss to Long Ley (36), in which visiting second string Martin Latt (12+2) dropped just a point from his five rides. Disappointment for Latt and the Lions later in the week however, he finishing last in a heat 15 5-1 reversal as his side was held to a home draw by Dover.

It’s now just one league win in seven for former division three leaders Warrington (44 points). They remain second, but are now just two points clear of fourth placed Bilston (42), who pushed their promotion credentials with a 44-46 victory at Calne as the Vikings went down to a home 40-50 loss to Medeswell (37). It was a good week through for third placed Witham (43), who extended their unbeaten league run to five with a draw at Dudley Wood (40). Elsewhere in division three a mixed week for Lothian, who lost at home to Ellon (36), before winning at Benfleet.

Denmark and Tresco star Sladen Bruhn (11) beat Kimmo Laakso in race-off to win this season’s Czech GP. It’s the first career success in the series for the 24 year old.