Robins rider ratings v Poole Pirates

SWINDON ROBINS raced to a must-win victory over the Poole Pirates in their bank holiday Monday clash at the Abbey Stadium storming to a 47-42 victory over their Dorset based rivals. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his Robins rider ratings following the action.

SWINDON 47: 

David Bellego 10, Troy Batchelor 9, Adam Ellis 7+1, Nick Morris 6+1, Tobiasz Musielak 6, Zach Wajtknecht 6, Tom Brennan 3+1.

POOLE 42: 

Brady Kurtz 9+1, Frederik Jakobsen 7+1, Chris Harris 7, Josh Grajczonek 6+2, Nicolai Klindt 6+1, Richie Worrall 6+1, Kacper Woryna 1.

1.    Troy Batchelor (7)

Pushed Brady Kurtz hard in the first heat but couldn’t manage second. Got under Harris in heat six to momentarily put Swindon on a maximum before conceding position. Finished the evening strong winning heat fifteen but will be disappointed with his points haul.

2.    David Bellego (8)

Out the back in his first heat and looked off the pace. However, flew out the gate in his second ride and cut back on the inside to get past Harris and storm to a win for the Robins. Replicated his second heat form in his next ride and appeared to have found the speed needed once again. A solid performance but once again took a race to find the right set-up.

3.    Adam Ellis (7)

Encountered bike problems in his first heat as he came fourth, but responded with a brilliant win in heat five and looked on the pace. Produced a brilliant team ride with Musielak in heat nine to keep Harris at bay and put Swindon in front. Another good performance in the heat leader role and fans will be hoping Ellis remains for next season.

4.    Tobiasz Musielak (5)

On it from the start and looked uncatchable in his first heat. All over Grajczonek on his second heat trying inside and out, but the Australian held well for third. Excelled with Ellis in his third ride and took a maximum heat advantage for Swindon.

Looked on track for another big win in heat fourteen flying through the pack coming from the back to hit the front before the race was stopped due to a bad fall for Jakobsen. A mixed performance for the Polish rider who endured good and bad moments.

5.    Nick Morris (6)

A difficult night for the Captain saw Morris score a paid seven points as Swindon battled for a hard-fought victory. Pushed for second in his first heat but couldn’t quite catch Jacobsen and then went on to hit the front from the gate in heat seven as he looked to have found the right set up. 

Played a key role in the race of the night in heat thirteen, partnering Batchelor to a heat maximum for Swindon and putting his side in the driving seat.

6.    Zach Wajtknecht (7)

Gated exceptionally and flew to the front in his first heat looking quick. Had the pace in his second ride to chase Worrall but locked up in the corner as the Poole rider held off the challenge. Ended the night with six points and was another impressive evening of racing from the hotshot youngster.

7.    Tom Brennan (6)

Brilliant ride on his Premiership debut as he partnered Wajtknecht for Swindon’s first heat maximum of the night. Rode the track excellently to hold off Woryna and Jacobsen and looked determined to impress. Last in his second heat but a good performance from the National League rider who left fans questioning why Jack Smith has been retained for so long.