1:42pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008
By Steve Butt
SWINDON Robins boss Alun Rossiter remained upbeat last night despite his side's comprehensive defeat against Ipswich Witches last night.
Rossiter's side went down 54-39 against play-off rivals Ipswich but the Swindon boss put the defeat down to rustiness' rather than a gulf in class between the two sides.
The Robins boss, pictured below, highlighted poor performances from the likes of Mads Korneliussen (4+1) and James Wright (2) but ultimately blamed the defeat on poor gating and a lack of race practice following the recent speedway World Cup.
"I'm not making any excuses for the lads but there was a lot of rustiness out there," said Rossiter.
"The riders have not had any meetings and they were not gating well tonight because of that.
"Only Leigh Adams has really had a race and our performance showed that.
"I'm disappointed because we were confident but it was not a good meeting.
"We made a terrible start and were always up against it because of that.
"I expected Mads (Korneliussen) to do better and James (Wright) struggled, although he came good with a second place at the end, so I guess it's better late than never!"
Ipswich raced into an 18-6 lead after just four heats, forcing Rossiter to use Leigh Adams as a tactical ride.
Adams picked up full points for Swindon but two 5-1s followed for the Witches as they romped to a 30-15 advantage after seven heats.
Robins had 5-1s of their own but it was too little too late for the visitors.
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