Boys are on fire as we sign off from Abbey in style (From Swindon Advertiser)

Boys are on fire as we sign off from Abbey in style

10:30am Saturday 6th September 2008 in Track Side

The final home meeting of the season didn’t disappoint.

After below-par defeats at Poole and Peterborough, a rampant Robins team hit the track running and crushed a pitiful Wolves outfit that failed to produce one heat winner all evening.

The returning Seb Alden seemed to give the team a lift and after two drawn heats there was no turning back as the team reeled off seven maximum 5-1 heat advantages in the remaining 13 heats.

Prior to the meeting, all Robins fans received an early Christmas present with the news that Jurica Pavlic had signed for the 2009 season.

With Leigh Adams already on the list, it is an impressive start to our team building and shows that the Swindon promotion are once again able to attract top quality signings to our club.

Troy Batchelor should surely be the next name on the teamsheet, scoring a majestic 18-point full maximum against Wolves.

He looked fast, composed and looks to be hitting a purple patch just at the right time as we head for the play-offs.

Team spirit is no more epitomised than by the performances of the battling James Wright.

A zero in his first ride was followed by a win and two paid wins, despite a nasty-looking fall when on a 5-1 with Adams in heat six.

All season it has been a joy to watch him chase down and pass riders of all calibres.

And despite a difficult few weeks of late, I think most fans would also like to see him return to the Abbey in 2009.

Richard Sweetman continues to show that he will be one to look out for in the future with a fine paid four including a paid win in heat 14.

He had to endure a difficult meeting in Robins colours at Poole last week and it was pleasing to see him bounce back and make a valuable contribution to the team.

Both Leigh and Jurica finished the meeting with paid maximums and the 60-plus tally was a great way for us to finish the regular season.

So on to the play-offs - we play the waiting game now as Ipswich complete their remaining fixtures.

Although an away win for us at one of the recent meetings would have almost guaranteed third place and a trip to Lakeside, the Witches will also need to win away to move above us in the table.

What has been lacking of late was visible for all to see in abundance on Thursday night so let’s hope that the team can take that same spirit to either Lakeside or Poole on the September 29 and do us fans proud!

Come on Robins!