RLC Dragons Krupka have won the 2016 Czech RL, league leaders’ silverware – now renamed the Vaclav Fischer Trophy. It is fitting they should be the first recipients of a cup to commemorate the founding Dragon and Czech international, Fisher, who tragically passed away in November 2015.
“We are delighted to win the ‘Venca’ Fischer trophy,” said Dragons’ Coach, Tomas Beranek, “as a tribute to a player who contributed so much to this club.
“The players have trained so hard this season. They deserve their success and we are now looking to beat last year’s double winners, Havlickuv Brod to win a place in the Grand Final.”
The Dragons, who won 11 of their 12 regular season games, finished two points clear of RLC Slavia Hradec Kralove in the seven-team championship, with Chrudim Rabbitohs third on 16 points and 2015 double Czech champions, Orli Havlickuv Brod fourth on 14.
The top four will now play for a place in the Grand Final to be held on 12 November. Mikulov Roosters, Mad Squirrels Vrchlabi and former Czech powerhouse Lokomotiva Beroun all missed out on a semi-final place.
Led by their influential captain, Jaroslav Bzoch (season top points scorer with 12 tries and 25 goals) and powerful forward Tomas Nemecek (club top try scorer with 22), the Dragons started the season with eight straight wins, including two close victories over second place Slavia. Their interesting blend of experience and youth is highlighted by impressive father and son combination, Antonin Berk and Antonin Berk Jnr., who both made important contributions over the season.
Slavia Hradec Kralove, who include league top points scorer, Jan Heininger (22 tries and 7 goals), will now face Chrudim Rabbitohs in the other semi-final.
“We want so much to get the Grand Final,” said Heininger. “Our narrow two-point home loss to Krupka in Round 9 ultimately cost us the minor premiership title, and we want the opportunity to avenge that.”
