SWINDON Robins have been left frustrated in their efforts to freshen up their side and are likely to run a six-man line-up again for tonight’s meeting at home to SGB Premiership leaders Somerset Rebels.

The Robins were without both David Bellego and Zach Wajtknecht due to injury for their 52-38 defeat at Wolverhampton Wolves on Monday, and the pair will miss out again tonight.

Bellego is expected to be out of action for some time after breaking a bone in his hand, and Robins team manager Alun Rossiter has this week attempted to tie down a temporary replacement to fill the void left by the Frenchman.

However, that has failed to come to fruition, meaning Swindon will run with the same under-strength team against Somerset that lost at Wolves, with the one exception being Ellis Perks coming in for Connor Mountain, who has been signed by Leicester, as the guest reserve in place of Wajtknecht.

“It’s tough at the moment but there is no good moaning about it,” said Rossiter.

“We have been working hard behind the scenes trying to do something and find cover, but it has not been that simple.

“We had agreed a deal in principle with somebody but, unfortunately, that has fallen through and they have gone somewhere else now.

“David has broken a small bone in his hand and if we replace him with someone, he has to stay out for 28 days.

“The deal we offered was for 28 days, so I understand why the rider’s mind has changed as he has since been offered a full-time job.

“At the moment, that’s where we are with it.

“It’s not our fault but it has put us in the mire a bit because of the way the rules are.”

Swindon are looking to extend their 100 per cent record on home shale to nine successive victories against Somerset this evening, although Rossiter expects a formidable challenge against the league’s current pace-setters.

Somerset also boast reigning world champion Jason Doyle in their ranks – a man well accustomed to the Abbey Stadium track after spending the previous two seasons as Swindon number one.

Unless a last-minute substitute is found, the Robins will run rider replacement for Bellego, and Rossiter admits that does little to help his side’s quest for victory.

“We have been doing well at home, but it is going to be a tough meeting,” said Rossiter.

“Somerset have been going great recently. They won at Wolves the other day, and of course they have Jason Doyle too.

“Unless anything changes overnight, we will run rider replacement for David.

“It is not easy covering for David because his average has dropped a bit.

“Earlier in the season, he was second or third in our averages, which meant quite a few of the boys could have stepped in, but now it only gives Adam Ellis and the reserves an extra ride.

“We know we are weak at reserve at the moment. Everyone can see it, but it’s just the way it is, unfortunately.”

Alongside Doyle, the Rebels also have fellow former Swindon rider Bradley Wilson-Dean in their ranks, while Tero Aarnio stands in for Nico Covatti at reserve.

SWINDON: Nick Morris, David Bellego R/R, Adam Ellis, Tobiasz Musielak, Troy Batchelor, Ellis Perks, Jack Smith.

SOMERSET: Jason Doyle, Bradley Wilson-Dean, Aaron Summers, Richard Lawson, Jack Holder, Jake Allen, Tero Aarnio.

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