CUP RIDER RATINGS: Swindon Robins (56) v (34) Belle Vue Aces

SWINDON ROBINS made history tonight after lifting the Premiership Supporters Cup, overcoming an eight-point deficit to secure a 97-83 aggregate victory over the Belle Vue Aces. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his Robins rider ratings following the action.

1.) Jason Doyle (9.5)

Captain Fantastic did it again after spearheading Swindon’s trophy charge and dropping just one point as the Robins raced to their first silverware of the season. A heat win in his opening ride got the ball moving as Swindon reduced the deficit to six points before Doyle went on to record a 5-1 maximum in heat six to bring the aggregate scores level. Took five points from his remaining two rides to help guide his side to cup glory. 

2.) Adam Ellis (9)

Slow out the gates in heat one saw Ellis settle for third place as he joined Doyle for an opening heat victory before going on to bring the aggregate score level with a heat maximum in his next ride. Flew out the gates in heat eight to keep Swindon’s lead intact, but dropped points in heat ten as Bjerre and Lidsey kept the pressure on. Produced a team riding masterclass with Batchelor in heat thirteen as Swindon claimed victory. Scored paid eleven points in total. 

3.) Troy Batchelor (9.5)

Swindon’s Australian ace continued his superb form as Swindon produced a show-stopping performance in front of a packed Abbey crowd. Recorded back-to-back heat wins in his initial two rides despite suffering bike problems in heat seven that saw Batchelor nearly come off his machine. Nearly made it three heat victories on the bounce in his next outing but pushed too hard, got all out of shape and subsequently finished last. Bounced back with wins in heats thirteen and fourteen to secure the trophy for Swindon. 

4.) Rasmus Jensen (8)

Bike problems in Jensen’s opening ride saw his machinery pack up on his way to the tapes and subsequently had to borrow Batchelor’s bike but failed to score. Responded well with two second-place finishes in heats five and nine after pipping Etheridge on the line to stop the Aces taking a heat maximum. Swapped and changed with Bjerre in his next outing but eventually got the better of his countryman to partner Doyle to a 5-1 maximum. Concluded his evening with another maximum in heat fifteen to score 8+2. 

5.) Tobiasz Musielak (7)

Got to the front in heat three after getting a good start but was then passed by Bjerre and Lidsey down the backstraight. Looked to retake the lead going into the third bend but appeared to hit a bump and finished third as the Aces took a heat maximum. Took a paid second in heat five but failed to score in his next ride after struggling for speed. Responded with two first places in his final two rides to earn Swindon their first top-flight cup victory. 

6.) Ellis Perks (7)

Got things off to the perfect start by partnering Claus Vissing to Swindon’s first heat maximum of the night as the Robins clawed back an eight-point first-leg deficit. Managed to take two points from his remaining two rides but scored the crucial points when needed to help Swindon to Premiership Supporters Cup victory. 

7.) Claus Vissing (7)

Scored a paid five points in total after producing some good riding as Swindon became Supporters Cup champions. Made a perfect start in his first ride to join Perks for the evening's first heat maximum before rounding off his night with two hard-fought third-placed finishes.