Delight For Rossiter As Swindon Race Into Premiership Final

ALUN ROSSITER hailed the performance of his riders as the Swindon Robins secured a 107-71 playoff semi-final aggregate victory over the Wolverhampton Wolves to secure a place in the British Premiership Grand Final. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker spoke to the Swindon manager following the action.

Back-to-back evenings of speedway saw the Swindon Robins lay down a statement of intent as they outclassed the Wolverhampton Wolves winning 39-49 last night at Monmore Green before running away in the semi-final, winning 58-32 at the Abbey Stadium this evening. 

Speaking after the victory, Alun Rossiter admitted he expected a tougher challenge from the Midlands-based club.

“Oh definitely [we expected a tougher challenge],” said Rossiter.

“I think Wednesday night obviously put a bit of a damper on things for Wolves but we could only ride what was in front of us. 

“It’s the same for both things, everyone can moan about the track on Wednesday, but the track was dry tonight and even if we were eight points down I think we still would’ve won,” he said. 

Tough track and weather conditions at Wolverhampton on Wednesday evening saw both sets of riders struggle. 

But despite securing a ten-point away win, Rossiter explained how Wolves arrived at Swindon confident of overturning the deficit before Swindon showed their class to run away with proceedings.

“I’m sure they would’ve been coming here with a positive mindset thinking if they get two 5-1 heat maximums at the start then they’re back in it,” said Rossiter.

“I would’ve thought they would come here wanting to give it a go but you’ve got to give credit to our boys.

“At the end of the day you have to give the Swindon boys that credit because they were excellent.

“It’s as simple as that,” he added. 

Semi-final victory sees Swindon now travel to the Ipswich Witches on Monday evening before returning to Blunsdon next Thursday as the club seek to secure a third league title in seven years. 

However, Alun Rossiter certainly isn’t getting carried away just yet and warned of the threat that Ipswich pose. 

“I wouldn’t get too carried away and I certainly don’t think we’re unbeatable,” said Rossiter.

“But we have to go to Ipswich and keep it close. 

“Hopefully our home form will take us to the title,” he added.

“I certainly will expect a tough challenge at Ipswich because it’s a final and they’ll be wanting to win every race.

"They’ve got the likes of Chris Harries, Danny King, Niels Kristian-Iversen, Richard Lawson and Jake Allen at reserve who’s been flying recently so we won’t take anything for granted,” he said.