RLC Dragons Krupka are the winners of the 2016 Czech RL league leaders’ silverware, the renamed Vaclav Fischer Trophy.

It is fitting that they are the first recipients of the cup which commemorates the founding Dragon and Czech international, who tragically passed away in November 2015.

The Dragons won 11 of their 12 games and finished two points clear of RLC Slavia Hradec Kralove in the seven team championship. Chrudim Rabbitohs were third with 16 points, two ahead of 2015 double Czech champions Orli Havlickuv Brod.

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 semi final places.

The Dragons, led by influential captain Jaroslav Bzoch - who finished the season as their top points scorer with 12 tries and 25 goals - and powerful forward Tomas Nemecek, their top try scorer with 22 tries, started the season with eight straight wins including two close victories over second place Slavia.

The Dragons 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.

Dragons Coach Tomas Beranek said: “We are delighted to win the 'Venca' Fischer trophy as a tribute to a player who contributed so much to this club. The players have trained so hard this season and deserve their success. We now are looking to beat last year's double winners Havlickuv Brod and win a place in the Grand Final.”

Slavia Hradec Kralove, including the league's top points scorer Jan Heininger with 22 tries and seven goals, will face Chrudim Rabbitohs in the other semi-final. Heininger said: “We want to get the Grand Final so much. 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.”