SWINDON’s title hopes were ended as they went down 47–43in the second leg of the Elite League play-off semi-finals at The Abbey on Monday.

The 97-79 aggregate defeat ensured the Robins crashed out in the semi-finals of the end of season shootout for a third straight season.

Heavy downpours of rain up until early afternoon at The Abbey meant that track conditions were much different than Alun Rossiter’s men have been used to.

But on a night that saw the M&S Van Rental Robins register just two heat advantages, it was another below par performance at the wrong stage of the season as they rounded of their campaign with a third defeat on the bounce.

A straight-talking Rossiter said: “We weren’t good enough – it’s as simple as that.

“Early on the track was very difficult for both teams and with all the rain we’ve had we just lost our home track advantage. Everyone was all over the shop in the first few races but Belle Vue adapted to it all quicker than we did.

“We left ourselves with too much of a big hill to climb last week and unfortunately the stop, start format tonight made it difficult but it’s the same for both sides.

“A few of the boys rode well and I know a lot of people will be quick to get on Troy Batchelor’s back because he had an awful night. He has been blighted by injuries, the track wasn’t to his liking and you could quite clearly see he just wasn’t up for it.

“I’m disappointed but I’m not going to beat myself up about it; more than anything I’m gutted for the supporters.

“Credit to Belle Vue though – they were the better side over the two legs.”

Nick Morris raced his way to three, impressive heat wins on his way to double figures to top score for the Robins.

Polish star Grzegorz Zengota recovered from a disappointing start to win the final two races in fine style.

Fast-track reserve Charles Wright put in another encouraging performance, even giving Grand Prix star Andreas Jonsson a run for his money in heat 13.

Aaron Summers enjoyed another positive night as he chipped in with another score over his average for The Abbey outfit.

Peter Kildemand was involved in plenty of drama and should have scored more points than the five he managed after two falls in scoring positions.

Lewis Rose was another rider who arguably deserved more points for his efforts while club captain Troy Batchelor endured a nightmare meeting on a night he’ll want to forget about in a hurry.

SWINDON 43: Nick Morris 11, Grzegorz Zengota 9+1, Charles Wright 8+2, Aaron Summers 7+1, Peter Kildemand 5, Lewis Rose 3, Troy Batchelor 0.

BELLE VUE 47: Scott Nicholls 12, Andreas Jonsson 8, Josh Grajczonek 7+3, Max Fricke 7, Craig Cook 6+1, Steve Worrall 6+1, Stefan Nielsen 1+1.