Horspath Hammers' reign as British Premier League champions is finally over.
Chasing a fifth consecutive title, the Hammers needed a big performance at league leaders Wednesfield Aces, but the withdrawal of England World Cup rider Mark Boaler to play football left team manager Robyn Carter's plans in disarray.
The demoralised team slipped to the club's heaviest BPL defeat for six years - 98-79.
Afterwards, an upset Carter announced he was stepping down following the Boaler debacle.
Marcin Skowronek's defeat of world champion Marcin Szymanski was a bright spot, while Michal Kastrau looked sharp for his 14+2.
Matty Szymczak was also going well until being bought down in his last race.
The Aces were much sharper, faster and more focussed and deserved to be Premier League champions. Hammers finish runners-up.
Horspath scorers: M Szymczak 13, S Harris 8+3, M Skowronek 15, L Osborne 10, M Kastrau 14+2, D Harper 5, M Morgans 5, S Rudman 9.
Horspath's second team went down 78-51 to the Aces' Premier Combination champions.
Scorers: D Harper 12+1, J Wyatt 6, M Kastrau 11, B Green 4, A Ward 11, D Jardine 6+1.
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