The Rebels struggled to get going at Smallbrook (Mike Manning)

Somerset Rebels missed the chance to virtually assure themselves a place in the Premier Trophy semi-finals with a crushing defeat at the Isle of Wight.

The home side dominated early on, and led by 22 points at the halfway stage. Somerset had no answer to the sharper gating of the Isle of Wight riders.

The Rebels improved in the later heats, but their hosts' lead was unassailable.

"We were second best tonight when it came to getting out of the traps," said Rebels team manager Steve Bishop.

"On a fast pacey circuit like the Isle of Wight that is just too much of an advantage to be handing your opponents."

Jason Doyle and Jordan Frampton notched up race wins in the second half of the meeting, but it was too little too late to have any major bearing on the result.

Somerset must now re-group ahead of Friday's group-deciding Trophy meeting with Reading at the Oak Tree Arena.

A win over the Racers will confirm the Rebels' place in the semi-finals for the first time in their history.