Swindon Robins defeated Poole Pirates in the Elite League

Swindon moved back into the Elite League play-off places with a 50-42 win over reigning champions Poole at the Abbey Stadium on Monday.

The Robins went ahead of Belle Vue, who suffered the frustration of another postponement as their home match against Leicester fell victim to the weather.

Darcy Ward picked up 11 (paid 12) on his home debut while reserve Charles Wright played a vital role for the Robins with 12 points from six rides after colleague Lewis Rose had been ruled out in a Heat 2 crash.

Rose suffered shoulder and wrist damage when he hit the fence on the home straight in his attempt to avoid rival Paul Starke, who had fallen exiting the fourth bend.

Maciej Janowski scored 11 for the Pirates with Davey Watt adding 10, including a winning tactical ride, but their hopes of taking a point from the meeting were ended by a Swindon 5-1 from Grzegorz Zengota and guest Hans Andersen in Heat 14.

Robins boss Alun Rossiter said: “It’s a great win against a very strong Poole side, and obviously I’m delighted.

“Darcy did well on his home debut but it’s a team effort, and all the boys played their part. The arrival of Darcy has given us all a lift. The Aussie boys are great characters and Darcy is obviously enjoying himself here.

“We’ve got some big meetings to come now, and this is a good way to start an important part of the season because we will keep fighting for the play-offs.”