BACK TO THE TOP FOR THE SWINDON ROBINS

Three meetings, three wins, and top of the British Premiership table, the Swindon Robins have endured the perfect start to the season so far. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his analysis on the sides opening performances and what we can expect for the remainder of the season.

After terrible winter weather postponed meetings up and down the country over March and the start of April, the reigning champions had to remain patient as they awaited their chance to finally get their league campaign off the start line. But after two successful away wins, and a home victory over the King’s Lynn Stars, the Robins are now looking as dangerous as ever.

Winning the league last year seen the Wiltshire side come into the 2018 season with a point to prove, and after the departure of newly crowned World Champion Jason Doyle from the club, many were unsure as to what to expect from Alun Rossiter’s side. However their performances so far this season show that this Swindon side are a force to be reckoned with in British speedway.

An away victory over rivals Poole Pirates seemed like the perfect way to get things started as the side picked up all four league points on the road, a closely fought home win over the King’s Lynn Stars followed, before the Robins found the form that won them the title last season to come from ten points behind away at the Leicester Lions to secure a 46-44 victory on Monday evening.

In contrast to last season in which the team won only one of their fist four league meetings, this Swindon Robins side appear to have fully embraced their champion’s status by blowing away sides placed in front them. The difference this year has been the squads ability to not solely rely on just one rider to score the points, as with Doyle last year, but instead all of the riders have chipped in with crucial points to help win meetings.

The impact of Troy Batchelor has been fantastic on the side as well, and the former GP star finally looks to be back to his best after a difficult couple of years. Nick Morris has taken the new captaincy role in his stride and the performances of young Zach Wajtknecht has quickly seen him develop into one of the best reserves in a country.

Ten points from four meetings puts the Robins in the familiar position of being top of the Premiership table, and with meetings coming quick and fast the true test is surely yet to come for the side. The season may of has just begun but the Swindon Robins have shown that they are capable of competing at the top, and it would be no surprise to see Alun Rossiter and his men once again secure a play-off place.