Robins wait on BSPA's Batchelor ruling (From Swindon Advertiser)

SWINDON ROBINS: Robins wait on BSPA's Batchelor ruling

6:00am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in Sport By Andy Warren

SWINDON Robins are still waiting for Troy Batchelor’s loan move from Peterborough to be ratified by the BSPA.

The Elite League champions announced the signing of the Australian on Saturday after the passing of the March 1 signing deadline, which saw all riders not signed by another club become available on loan.

Despite the delay the Robins remain confident the deal will be approved, and when it is, the full transfer of Nick Morris from Glasgow will quickly be completed with Swindon only in a position to sign one new asset this winter.

Meanwhile, teenager Morris is back in Britain ahead of his second full season of Elite League racing, and believes he will begin 2013 with increased confidence after upgrading his equipment over the winter.

The Australian enjoyed a good first full season in the Elite League as he played a part in the Robins’ title triumph, as well as picking up the Premier League title for the second year in a row with Scunthorpe.

Morris spent the winter in his homeland, and is busily readying his new bikes in time for the club’s press and practice day on Thursday.

“I’m building new bikes for this season, which is good, and I have never had new bikes before,” he said.

“I think it will definitely help me a bit to get on some new equipment, and it makes things a lot easier to do things with new stuff and it is fun to put it all together.

“The new stuff will give me a lot more confidence in knowing the bikes I’m riding are perfect, and I don’t really have to worry about anything.

“I have managed to sell pretty much all of my old stuff too, so that is good.”

Morris spent most of the winter relaxing and seeing friends in Australia, but did spend some time on the bike as he competed in the Queensland Open as well as securing a top-five finish in the Australian U21 championship.

“It was fun because I was able to relax for most of the time, and catch up with friends who I hadn’t seen all year,” he said.

“At the end of the season you just want to get home and have a bit of a holiday, and it was a long hard season which took it out of me.

“I rode a couple of times too which was okay, and it was good to keep my eye in.”