SWINDON Robins saw their season-opening challenge match with Somerset Rebels at the Oak Tree Arena last night abandoned after seven heats.

The Robins had got off to a bright start and held a 22-20 lead when Rebels number two 2 Jake Allen suffered a heavy crash in heat eight.

He needed lengthy medical treatment, and with the track ambulance required to take him to hospital the meeting was eventually called to a halt.

Swindon team manager Alun Rossiter admitted he was disappointed his side could not get a full meeting under their belt, but he was quick to send his best wishes to the injured Allen.

And he declared himself encouraged by what he saw from his new-look side in their limited action.

“It’s disappointing we couldn’t get a full meeting in, but we have to send our best wishes to Jake Allen and we hope his injury isn’t too serious,” said Rossiter.

“We’ll try to take the positives out of it, and there were plenty of encouraging signs. It was good for the boys to get some competitive racing even if it wasn’t a full meeting and I was pleased with what I saw.

“Everyone looked pretty sharp and even though they weren’t riding for us, it was good to see Charles (Wright) and Rohan (Tungate) riding well too.”

Josh Grajczonek bagged two race wins to top score for the Robins whilst skipper Jason Doyle was unbeaten from his two outings. Justin Sedgmen also notched a race victory whilst Stefan Nielsen added two points at reserve.

Despite riding for their Premier League club, Charles Wright and Rohan Tungate bagged four points apiece to top score for the home side and showed plenty of pleasing signs for Swindon supporters.

The Robins will now prepare to kick-off their Elite League campaign at Poole on Good Friday (midday) before hosting the Pirates in their first home meeting on Sunday, March 27 (5pm).

SOMERSET SELECT 20: Rohan Tungate 4, Charles Wright 4, Jake Allen 3+1, Zach Wajtknecht 3, Peter Kildemand 3, Bradley Wilson-Dean 2+1, Paul Starke 1+1.

SWINDON SELECT 22: Josh Grajczonek 6, Jason Doyle 5+1, Justin Sedgmen 4, Steve Worrall 4, Stefan Nielsen 2, Darryl Ritchings 1, Nick Morris r/r.