'This will not break us' (From Swindon Advertiser)

'This will not break us'

7:30am Tuesday 6th May 2008 in Sport By Andy Cryer

DEFIANT Alun Rossiter insists the Robins will bounce back from their Poole reality check - as they continue their bid to roar from supposed chumps to potential champs.

A convincing 53-39 defeat at Wimborne Road last night completed a miserable Bank Holiday weekend for the Elite League table-toppers - but boss Rossiter is confident they will continue to surprise the doubters this campaign.

A double defeat in the space of three days - they lost a last-heat decider at Eastbourne at the weekend - will leave many of their critics saying I told you so' and predicting a swift fall from grace.

But Rossiter has warned his class of 2008 are made of sterner stuff.

He said: "You have to take the positives. We nearly won at Eastbourne but this was a bridge too far and a couple of boys need to get firing.

"The difference between this team and the old one is that we will bounce back, no doubt about that.

"Everyone has written us off and now they will all be saying we are going to go down the pan.

"It is now for us to show that was a blip and we will come back stronger."

Robins endured a night to forget, with former Pirate Troy Batchelor having a nightmare and the returning Theo Pijper and Travis McGowan also failing to fire.

Australian skipper Leigh Adams was at his brilliant best, scoring 15 despite being penalised for touching the tapes on a crucial tactical ride in heat 11, while reserve Seb Alden scored a respectable paid seven.

"There are no complaints," said Rossiter. "We have had a good run. Some little niggly problems went against us but all in all we were beaten by the better team.

"They were better from the starts than us and like I said I am not complaining we have had a great run. I knew this would be our toughest place to come.

"Things did go against us but no excuse, they were hungry they wanted it more and I give them all the credit in the world.

"All in all a fair result - they deserved it. I am not too downbeat because I don't think anyone is going to come here and win."