THE early indications look promising for Abbey Stadium chief Alun Rossiter after Thursday night’s Swindon Sprockets experiment.

The Blunsdon club are currently exploring the possibility of entering a side into the National League – British speedway’s third tier – in 2017, which will compliment the Swindon Robins, who were crowned champions of the Elite League back in 2012.

To gauge public feeling, a Sprockets side took on the Coventry Storm in a National League challenge match at the Abbey and the home side ran out comfortable 56-34 winners, with Glasgow Tigers and Kent Kings man Danny Ayres starring with a sparkling 15-point maximum, beating visiting captain Liam Carr in an exciting heat six along the way.

Darryl Ritchings skippered the Sprockets and picked up eight points, whilst fellow local rider Lee Smart recovered from a fall in his first ride to secure a score of 8+2.

Robins boss Rossiter managed Swindon’s team on the night and was chuffed to see a hearty haul of supporters come through the doors to watch what could be the beginning of a new Blunsdon institution.

“We had a great turnout and it was probably a lot more than we expected, really, so that was nice,” said Rossiter.

“We’d spoken to a lot of people about this and one of the things we’d picked up is that there are a lot of people that like to see racing consistently.

“They don’t mind what level of racing it is – they just like to see it.

“I think the crowd enjoyed it a lot and there aren’t many showmen in British speedway but Danny Ayres is definitely one of them. He was getting the crowd involved and really enjoying it.

“It was great to have local riders like Darryl Ritchings and Liam Carr out there too.

“We’ve got to think about it and weigh up all the pros and cons but the early feeling is that it’s a thumbs up from people.”

Rossiter, who is also the manager of the Great Britain national team, is used to working with a bevy of experienced international stars but says that he enjoyed overseeing a clutch of riders a little more wet behind the ears on Thursday.

He said: “I have a great rapport with all of the Robins riders but when you’re more experienced, you have your own opinions on things and your own ideas on how you want to do things.

“There were a lot more younger guys and in a lot of ways, they looked up to you a little bit, so it was a bit different being the manager but I enjoyed it too.”

After the Robins go to the Belle Vue Aces next Wednesday in search of a point to secure their place in the Elite League play-offs, there will be more exhibition speedway at the Abbey a day later as Rossiter’s side take on a Premier League select outfit.

Teenage Australian star Brady Kurtz will guest in place of number one Jason Doyle while the Robins’ opponents will be made up of Sam Masters, Kyle Newman, Chris Harris, Kyle Howarth, Aaron Summers, Bradley Wilson-Dean and Ryan Douglas.