AFTER the Swindon Robins got the surface at the Abbey Stadium sorted, a bumpy ride until that point turned into smooth sailing.

Alun Rossiter’s side were in action for the first time since their loss at the Lakeside Hammers on July 22 and after four heats of their clash with the King’s Lynn Stars, the signs were ominous as the Robins trailed 16-8 and looked off the pace.

But once the track-grading tractors had completed a few laps of the Blunsdon track, Rossiter’s troops roared back in stirring style and their shine eclipsed that of the Stars as they romped to a 52-38 triumph that had, at one point, looked so unlikely.

When it comes to curating his team’s track in future, Rossiter hopes that the Abbey’s surface will suit his riders from the off.

But the Swindon team boss was nonetheless chuffed to see his the Robins dig deep to haul themselves back to winning ways.

“To be fair, we just laid some new dirt on there and it cut up quite badly and it wasn’t to their liking,” said Rossiter, who saw Josh Grajczonek, Rohan Tungate and Charles Wright rack up impressive scores.

“Once we had a couple of grades, we then turned it on a bit then – it got smoothed out and we were back on our normal little run.

“It cut up quite badly and the riders struggled with it but once they graded it, they all got in the groove, where I thought that we should have been in the first place.

“Hopefully, we’ll get it fixed ready for the next match.

“I was a bit surprised but I had a little pep talk with them – Josh was fantastic, Rohan was great, Nick (Morris); once he got sorted, he was pretty good too.

“Doyley (Jason Doyle) had an off night – he was struggling with his motors but he’s got until Monday to hopefully get sorted and I’m sure he’ll be back.

“I think if we can get a win on Monday; that will really help us.”

LOOK OUT FOR A GALLERY OF DAVE EVANS' PICTURES FROM TONIGHT'S MEETING AT SWINDONADVERISER.CO.UK/SPORT ON FRIDAY MORNING