RIDER RATINGS: SWINDON ROBINS 45-45 POOLE PIRATES

SWINDON ROBINS entertained crowds with a fantastic evening of racing against the Poole Pirates in their season opener earning a hard-fought 45-45 draw in the Premiership Supporters Cup. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his Robins rider ratings.

Jason Doyle © (9)

Denied a maximum on his return to Swindon after a harsh ruling by referee Dave Robinson in heat fourteen. Adapted to the new track well and was quick out the gates experiencing little trouble from opposition riders. Finished with 12 points.

Dawid Lampart (3)

Returning to Swindon since leaving the side in 2012, Dawid Lampart endured a torrid night on his return to the Abbey Stadium finishing the evening with two points and two exclusions. Struggled for speed and looked short of ideas when coming from the back. Needs time to adapt to British speedway again.

Troy Batchelor (9)

Matched Doyle scoring 12 points against Poole and was in fantastic form all night. Gated well but was impressive in coming from the back with two impressive overtakes in heat eleven. Batchelor will be key to Swindon’s success this season and provides the perfect back-up to Doyle. 

Adam Ellis (7.5)

A mixed evening saw Ellis start with a third place in his opening ride before going on to finish with a score of 8+2. Grew in confidence as the meeting went on and ended the evening well with a strong win in heat fifteen.

Tobiasz Musielak (8)

A costly mistake in his opening ride saw Musielak denied victory after putting two wheels over the inside white line of the third bend. Bounced back well and finished with 9+1 to help Swindon earn a hard-fought draw. Enjoyed working out the various racing lines on-track and was impressive in front of the home crowd. 

Zach Wajtknecht (3)

Appeared to struggle with finding the right set-up and admitted to having made mistakes when speaking afterwards. Will be a key rider for Swindon this season and will look to improve after scoring just a solitary point.

James Shanes (3)

Scored just one point and found it hard to get to grips on Swindon’s new track. Tried hard throughout and must contribute with points from reserve if Swindon are to be successful this season.