SWINDON came a creditable third at the recent Rose Bowl meeting at Newport International Sports Village.

Hellingly Lions won the meeting in a run-off with the hosts in a meeting that also featured Southampton and Exeter.

The clash between Rose Bowl and Premier League fixtures once again had a significant effect on the destiny of the trophy, with Newport and Exeter missing several key riders.

The top four teams were in the running for the title virtually throughout the whole match, but after Hellingly and Newport tied, Neil Hollebon made no mistake from gate two in the run-off with Lee Tippins.

Swindon gave a good account of themselves as Danny Harper led from the front. The Wiltshire outfit eventually finished third ahead of Southampton, while depleted Exeter were bottom of the pile.

  • SWINDON bagged seven race winners as they provided lively competition for hosts Poole, but suffered a 96.5-82.5 defeat on Sunday.

The meeting opened in dramatic style as Chris Roberts caught Andy Hill on the line to share second place, and Roberts in his comeback match went on to win three races.

For Swindon, Danny Harper once again was solid, although he tired as the meeting progressed.

Shaun Rudman rode well to top-score for the visitors but Rob Hunt struggled to fulfil his potential on his return to the sport after a year’s absence.

Although the home side had the edge throughout, the league points were not sewn up until heat 15, when Aaron House teamed up with Matt Mildon for a 7-3 over the previously-unbeaten Sean Rudman.

Fitness was a telling factor as the visiting riders all had to take extra rides, while the Poole young guns were always in the thick of the action.