SWINDON Robins boss Alun Rossiter reckons the return of Darcy Ward to Wimborne Road gave Poole Pirates all the motivation they needed to inflict a heavy defeat on his side.

The Robins were sunk by a swashbuckling performance by the Elite League champions as they stormed to 12 victories from the 15 heats.

New Swindon number one Ward’s comeback appearance at the home of his parent club was always going to add spice to the contest but the Aussie struggled under the pressure claiming 10 paid points from no heat wins.

There were few bright spots for Rossiter’s men in what was a trip to the coast to forget. Guest Hans Andersen claimed two wins for nine points, while skipper Troy Batchelor was the only other Robins rider to cross the line first and finished with just 5+1.

The Robins will travel back to Swindon to lick their wounds and hope for reinvigorated performance this evening as they renew their play-off push when Lakeside Hammers visit the Abbey Stadium.

There was some cheer for Swindon fans as they saw Darryl Ritchings return to Robins colours for the first time since his horrendous injury last year, but he picked up just a single point.

“It was a tough night but it was to be expected,” said Rossiter, whose side triumphed 51-39 at Wolverhampton Wolves at the start of the week.

“I think people were getting a bit carried away, we had a great meeting on Monday but then a poor meeting tonight.

“And I don’t really think we were that poor, I just think Poole were very good and probably the Darcy effect really rubbed off on them. They were fired up to do well and full credit to them.

“They were too good and it just shows this is one of the hardest tracks to come back to. You can ride here for the last couple of years and then have a bit of time off and it just doesn’t work for you. It was just one of those nights.

“Darryl hasn’t really ridden at this level, it was a big step up. It was always going to be a tough ask but we are very limited in what we can use and I’d rather give a local lad a go than just give it to someone else.”