Aggregate: Somerset Rebels 105-83 Mildenhall Fen TigersMany Rebel fans must have feared the worst after the team was held to just a nine-point advantage in Friday's home leg. Simon Walker was unable to take up his place in the team because of a back injury sustained in Friday's encounter, and then word came through that Friday's man-of-the-match, Glen Phillips, would not be able to ride as his World Longtrack meeting, due to be held on the Saturday, had been postponed and had been re-arranged for the Sunday. Those things, added to it being Emil Kramer's debut for the Rebels at a track he had never previously ridden, meant the omens did not look good. Despite these potential setbacks, however, the Rebels turned in probably their best-ever away performance totally to outclass the Fen Tigers, who were tasting defeat at their West Row circuit for the first time this season. | "This performance was absolutely fantastic." | | Magnus Zetterstrom |
The die was cast right from the off, as Emil Kramer took the chequered flag in the opening heat - the best possible way to start his time as a Rebel. And, with Magnus Zetterstrom following Kramer over the line in second place, the Rebels were on their way. Inspired by the dynamic Swedes' performances in that opening heat, the Somerset reserves - Ben Baker, fresh from his success in the Conference League Fours Championship the previous night, and Lee Smart, a late call-up for the injured Simon Walker - replicated the performance. After just two heats, Somerset had established an eight-point advantage on the night, 17 points on aggregate. From there on in, it was a case of total Somerset domination, as the Rebels provided 11 of the 15 race winners, and recorded five maximum heat victories. Every member of the team at least was paid for a heat win. Somerset were winners on aggregate 105-83. "This performance was absolutely fantastic," said a delighted Magnus Zetterstrom after the meeting. "We messed up at Mildenhall earlier in the season in the Premier Trophy, and we wanted to make amends to the fans for that. "All the guys rode as I know they can, and when we do that, we are more than a match for anyone." Somerset's opponents in the semifinals are yet to be determined - the winners of the Newport/Edinburgh tie then face Sheffield in the quarterfinal for that honour. | 
