SWINDON Robins boss Alun Rossiter bemoaned a double exclusion in heat 13 as his side went down 49-42 on their trip to Leicester Lions in the Elite League last night.

The Robins had earlier cut an 11-point deficit to a gap of two at Beaumont Park but their hopes of a comeback win were dashed when new Australian number one Darcy Ward and guest Craig Cook both went down in the same race late on.

Ward otherwise enjoyed a strong Swindon debut, storming to three heat wins from six and collecting an impressive points haul of 15+1.

It was not so plain sailing for fellow new arrival Eduard Krcmar as the Czech youngster could only notch two points, although the form of Pole Grzegorz Zengota gave Rossiter some consolation and he continues to go from strength to strength with a 14+1.

It was always going to be tough for Swindon in the East Midlands, with skipper Troy Batchelor and fellow Aussie Nick Morris both having been ruled out through injury, and Rossiter reckons that played a big part in their defeat.

“Obviously I am disappointed because we gave ourselves a bit of a chance,” said Rossiter.

“The exclusions in heat 13 really cost us. We were on a 5-1 and it turned into a 5-0 against us. That swung things, really.

“It was really encouraging from Darcy, he started really well. He gated well and looked quick and he has given himself something to really build on.

“Zengi did really well too. He’s been great for us recently, his form has been really good.

“Rider replacement cost us in the end a little bit because we didn’t get enough from it.

“Eduard started slowly but got better as things went on. It was always going to be hard for him but there are plenty of positives to work with and I am sure he will get better.”

The Robins are now looking to bounce back against reigning champions Poole Pirates on Monday night and Rossiter has backed Ward to lead a response against the side from whom he joined on loan last week.

Batchelor is set to return for the clash at the Abbey Stadium, although Morris remains out injured and Hans Andersen will guest in his place.

“It is obviously going to be a very tough meeting. They are a good team with good, strong riders from top to bottom,” said Rossiter.

“But we’re a good team too, we have got some riders in form and it should be a good meeting.

“I expect it will feel a bit strange for Darcy but he is a quality rider and will be focussed on his racing, which is the most important thing.

“We are expecting to have a full team apart from Nick, so we are expecting to push them all the way and we are going for the win.”