EURO CLUB 2016: Day two | Three GB clubs through to the semi-finals
It was a good day for Great Britain in the 2016 European Club Championships in Ostrow, Poland, with three of the four British clubs qualifying for the semi-finals, taking place tomorrow.
After four more qualifying rounds, all four British clubs made it into the quarter finals, which featured three quarters with the top two progressing to the semis, and a final repechage quarter final for the remaining two places.
In quarter final A, TSŻ Torun went straight through with 52 points along with Leszno on 47, with 5 points separating the two top Polish teams. Wednesfield had to settle for the repechage though, finishing a little way off the top two on 35 points. They would be joined by TPD Kalety who came in at the back on 25.
In quarter final B, reigning champions Ostrow were in sensational form, smashing their way into the semis on a massive 64 points. Ipswich Eagles automatically qualified with them in second on 43. The ICSF Select team bowed out despite finishing in third, ahead of LKS Strażak Mikołów who finished fourth on 31 and 22 points respectively.
It was a close run tie in quarter final C, with Czestochowa just pipping Swietochlowice by a single point. Former world champion Marcin Szymanksi winning the final heat with Kamil Bielica having to settle for third, handing Czestochowa the victory with 51 points. Hethersett came in third on 29 points ahead of three man “Birmingham Select” team, who would not progress any further and the Hawks headed into their fourth match of the day in quarter final D.
Wednesfield made no mistake in the final quarter final, sailing through on a comfortable 54 points. There was run off drama for the last spot though, with Hethersett and TPD Kalety both tying on 38 points. Dan Chambers duly made sure the Hawks and sealed a semi-final appearance on their first trip abroad in the run off. LKS Strażak Mikołów finished fourth on 23.
Here’s the schedule for tomorrow (Polish times):
Monday 2nd May 2016
- 1300: Semi Final 1
- 1430: Semi Final 2
- 1630: Consolation final
- 1800: Grand final
Our eight semi finalists are; Ostrow, Leszno, Czestochowa, Swietochlowice, Torun, Wednesfield, Ipswich and Hethersett.
Unsurprisingly, Poland’s big hitters are all there, as are Wednesfield and Ipswich, which was expected for the two Elite League sides. Hethersett have done themselves proud to reach the semis and be listed next to some of the biggest and best clubs in the world.
Ostrow are certainly looking strong and will be favourites to repeat their 2014 success on their home track, led by world champion Bartek Grabowski. The Brits will have their work cut out, but will be hoping to mix it up with the Poles and prevent an all Polish final.
Stay tuned to Periscope and the Google Drive account for all the action as it happens tomorrow.