Elite League

Belle Vue 48 Swindon Robins 42

SWINDON Robins boss Alun Rossiter was left furious despite seeing his side snatch a consolation point from their 48-42 defeat at play-off rivals Belle Vue on Monday.

Having trailed by ten points entering the final three races, Rossiter’s side staged a late rally.

Darcy Ward and Troy Batchelor struck a 5-1 in dramatic fashion as heat 13 had to be rerun due to the chequered flag initially being shown after just three laps.

The Aussie duo then duly delivered a 4-2 heat advantage in a tense last-heat decider, with Ward completing a spectacular 14+1 paid maximum to ensure the Robins did not leave empty-handed.

Rossiter was relieved to see his side emerge with a hard-fought point but he could not hide his fury at several incidents on what he branded a “shambolic” meeting.

Rossiter said: “I’m pleased we managed to come away with a point, it was a good effort from the boys in a tough meeting. It could prove vital for us come the end of the season.

“I have to say the referee lost it towards the end, though. We are supposed to be involved in a professional sport, but it was just absolutely shambolic tonight.

“The start marshal put out the chequered flag while Darcy was chasing for the lead in heat 13, and although we got the 5-1 in the rerun that was a ridiculous situation.”

Despite Rossiter’s frustrations, it was a battling performance from the Robins as they took on an Aces side that has been in impressive form on home soil.

Ward led the way with another magnificent display, while skipper Batchelor also notched paid double figures.

Nick Morris and Grzegorz Zengota added a win apiece despite enduring tough evenings and Charles Wright recovered from a difficult start to bag two important second places in his final two rides.

Aaron Summers, who was signed at the weekend to replace the axed Eduard Krcmar, scored a useful five points including a fine heat five victory.

The vastly-experienced Summers races at Glasgow with Nick Morris in the Premier League and his experience of tracks like Coventry and King’s Lynn may prove vital over the coming weeks.

Summers brings the complement of Aussies in the seven-strong side to five, so team spirit should be strong.

Swindon have now dropped out of the top four but have matches in hand over play-off rivals Belle Vue and King’s Lynn.

The side now face three matches on consecutive nights against Poole (A), King's Lynn (H) and Coventry (A), although there is already a rain doubt about the first of those fixtures which is scheduled to be covered live on Sky Sports.

Swindon must win their home matches over the next three Thursdays and their play-off place could boil down to whether they can gain at least consolation points in their away clashes.

BELLE VUE: Max Fricke 9+1, Stefan Nielsen 9+1, Scott Nicholls 7+2, Josh Grajczonek 7, Steve Worrall 6+3, Craig Cook 6, Matej Zagar 4.

SWINDON: Darcy Ward 14+1, Troy Batchelor 9+1, Aaron Summers 5, Grzegorz Zengota 5, Charles Wright 5, Nick Morris 4+1, Robert Branford 0.