Robins dent Pirates title challenge

Swindon Robins put Saturday’s defeat at Leicester behind them as they won 50-42 at the Abbey against the Elite League champions Poole Pirates.

Much of the attention was on new Swindon signing Darcy Ward, who was making his home debut against his parent club. The Aussie, who scored 16 points at Leicester, only missed out on a paid maximum in heat 15.

And as the Robins move into 4th place in the league, boss Alun Rossiter was full of praise for his side.

Rossiter said: “It’s a great win against a very strong Poole side, and obviously I’m delighted.

“Darcy did well on his home debut but it’s a team effort, and all the boys played their part. The arrival of Darcy has given us all a lift. The Aussie boys are great characters and Darcy is obviously enjoying himself here.

“We’ve got some big meetings to come now, and this is a good way to start an important part of the season because we will keep fighting for the play-offs.”

In addition to Ward’s heroics, skipper Troy Batchelor earned eight points as he made his return from injury, including two wins from his opening two rides.

Grzegorz Zengota was also in fine form as the Pole reached double figures. Reserve Charles Wright also added 12 points from six rides after losing Lewis Rose to an injury after a nasty crash in heat two.

The Robins will travel to Wolverhampton next Monday before a trip two days later to Poole.

 

 

SWINDON 50: Charles Wright 12, Darcy Ward 11+1, Grzegorz Zengota 10+2, Troy Batchelor 8, Hans Andersen 6, Eduard Krcmar 2, Lewis Rose 1+1.

POOLE 42: Maciej Janowski 11, Davey Watt 10, Kyle Newman 8+2, Chris Holder 5+2, Kacper Gomolski 4, Dakota North2+2, Paul Starke 2.