SWINDON Robins will start their SGB Premiership title defence tonight against Wolverhampton Wolves, six months after lifting the championship in dramatic circumstances at Monmore Green.

Alun Rossiter’s men landed British Speedway’s top prize when Nick Morris and Jason Doyle filled the minor points placings in the final race of the Grand Final second leg to earn the Robins a one-point aggregate win over the Wolves in October last year.

And travelling fans will be keeping their fingers crossed for a similar result tonight as Swindon launch their Premiership campaign 11 days after it was due to start at home against Leicester Lions.

Rain put paid to any chance the Robins had of starting their league campaign on home shale, but Rossiter hopes to put the weather setback behind him as he takes a full-strength team to the Midlands.

He said: “We’ll never forget that night last October.

“I was proud of our efforts and everything we achieved.

“But everyone at Wolverhampton will be keen to put one over us now. I’m sure they were hurting bad after what happened, and I would have been if it was us.”

The Robins made a confidence-boosting start to the season when defeating Belle Vue Aces 94-86 on aggregate in the Charity Shield.

Rossiter’s troops lost the first leg at the National Speedway Stadium by six points, but sharp gating and strong team riding helped earn a convincing 52-38 win at home.

But tonight will present the defending champions with a different challenge as the tight nature of Monmore Green will prove a complete contrast to the wide and open spaces on offer in Manchester – and indeed at home.

Rossiter added: “It’s always a tough place to go but we’re looking forward to it and hopefully we can get a result from this and put some points on the board early on.”

Following tonight's meeting, Swindon host the re-arranged fixture with Leicester on Thursday, April 12, at the Abbey Stadium.