FRENCH flyer David Bellego reckons the early-season Charity Shield success has given a spring in the step to everyone within the Swindon Robins camp.
Alun Rossiter’s side trailed Belle Aue Aces 48-42 following Monday’s first leg in Manchester but were in rampant form on their first outing on home shale on Thursday, roaring to a 52-38 win to triumph 94-86 on aggregate.
The victory was a strong statement of intent from the reigning SGB Premiership champions against last year’s knockout cup winners and although the clash against the Aces was little more than a pre-season duel, Bellego believes it bodes well for another strong campaign for the Abbey Stadium side.
“It was good to get a win in the first home meeting of the year and good to get a trophy too. It is a really positive start to the year,” said Bellego.
“We had a bit to do from the first leg and Belle Vue have got a good team, so we did well. We had a bit of drama in heat 13 but we managed to pull through.
“It is a good start but it is a long season, so we have to look to carry on from here. The whole team did really well on Thursday night, so we’ve built up a bit of confidence.”
Bellego topped the Robins’ scoring charts on Thursday, scoring 10+1 despite failing to register in his opening heat, with every rider contributing at least five points.
“It was a good night for me, especially as a I missed out in my first race, but everyone’s results were really good,” said Bellego.
“Mitch (Davey) and Zach (Wajtknecht) did a really good job down at reserve so it was a whole team effort.”
The Robins will now prepare for the first league meeting as reigning Premiership champions when they host Leicester Lions at the Abbey Stadium on Thursday. March 29.
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