PURTON’S Darryl Ritchings insisted there were plenty of positives to take from his Swindon debut at Lakeside on Friday night.

The teenage draft rider scored three points from his four rides, including a good effort for second place in heat nine on a tricky track, and although he never troubled any of the Hammers’ top five he was well on the pace against his opposite numbers at reserve.

In what is a season focused on development, Ritchings was pleased with his effort and believes there are positives for the future.

“It was good for me and it was only my second meeting back after my injury at the end of last season and I’m sure in the next few weeks things will improve,” he said.

“There were positives to take and I have to focus on those going forward because that’s how I’m going to learn and improve in the future.

“We made a few changes during the meeting and the bike felt a lot better so I felt quite good before the end of it. It’s only my second time at Lakeside but it went okay even through it was pretty slick, so I quite like the track.”

While the meeting was a learning curve for Ritchings and his fellow reserve Matt Williamson, the like of Peter Kildemand and Troy Batchelor were storming away to help rescue a draw for the Robins. Ritchings enjoyed watching the top two go about their business and was pleased with the help the senior riders were able to give.

“It’s all about learning at the moment and I’m sure being with the Elite League is going to help me and the rest of the British lads going forward,” he said.

“Everyone was helping each other out in the pits and that’s what’s going to help me.

“We have a really good atmosphere in the team and, even though it’s only one meeting, that’s a really good sign.”