ROSSITER HAILS ROBINS VICTORY

Swindon Robins manager, Alun Rossiter, was delighted to get his reigning champions off to a winning start in 2018 after the Wiltshire outfit secured the Charity Shield after an intense two-legged battle with the Belle Vue Aces. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker got the thoughts of the manager following the team’s celebrations.

Tasked with overturning a six point deficit from the first leg of the cup meant that Rossiter’s Robins needed to be on top form against a Belle Vue side widely tipped for success this season. Securing the victory in the penultimate heat, Rossiter admitted it was a closely fought affair against the Manchester side.

“ I wouldn’t say it was easy for us tonight.” Began Rossiter,

“ We nearly gave it away in heat 13 when we probably shouldn’t have been doing what we were doing but things like that happen.

“ These are the types of meetings where the boys are able to try out different things and see what works for them.” He added.

“ It is only the charity shield but if you’re winning it’s always good and the boys did well tonight.

“ Belle Vue have got a good side and I’m sure when they come back here later in the season they will be strong and wanting to win again.

“ You have to give credit to our seven riders that rode tonight and did the job over the two legs.” He said.

Making his official home debut as club Captain saw Nick Morris lift his first piece of silverware as Swindon’s number one. But after appearing to proceed with practicing on-track following the conclusion of the meeting, Rossiter stated that Morris wasn’t entirely happy with his own performance.

“ He’s out on track still trying to get things right.” Stated Rossiter.

“ It’s really good to see that he’s putting in the extra work and wants to get things right for the start of the season.

“ He knows he’s got to do better so is out there now testing stuff and trying to get things right.” He added.

Mitchell Davey’s heroics in the reserve spot made him an immediate fan favourite at the Abbey Stadium. However after scoring an impressive 7+3 on the night, Rossiter warned not to put too much pressure on the Australian.

“ We can’t put that kind of pressure on him every week but if he rides like that the entire time, well then we will be in for a blinding season.” Explained Rossiter.

 “ At the end of the day as long as he gets five or six points most meetings then were in for a good season.

New controversial rule changes this season have seen riders excluded should they get off their bikes on the start line to find their positioning at each gate. And when questioned on the rule change, the Swindon manager had a passionate response to those introducing the rule.

“I think we should be getting two minute clocks in and once that clock gets to zero you have to be ready at the start line.” Responded the manager.

“Once that clock gets zero it should be the same in England as it is in Poland Sweden and Denmark.

“ It’s a habit for the riders they get used to getting off the bike on the start line and digging themselves into the track

“ We never voted for this rule and I’m not sure why they have put this rule in place.” He added.

“ The SCB have brought this in and I’m not sure why.

“Get two-minute clocks and this will stop any issues, it’s as simple as that.” He said.

Victory for Swindon puts the team’s confidence levels on a high going into the start of the 2018 British Premiership. And ahead of their first league meeting, Rossiter admitted his side face a tough season opener against the Leicester Lions.

“ Leicester have got a really good side this year and it will certainly be a test for as next week.” Stated Rossiter.

“ They’ve got Hans Andersen, Martin Vaculik, Danny King, and quite a few other good riders now.

“ They normally do well here so we’ll have to make sure we are on our guard next week and ready for the challenge.” He said.

Credit: @officialswindonspeedway instagram for photo