Below strength Swindon fell to their second away defeat in the space of a week as they lost 38-52 at Wolverhampton.
It was always going to be a tough task for the CFS Filtration Robins with flying Frenchman David Bellego ruled out with a scaphoid injury and reserve Zach Wajtknecht forced to miss the trip to the Midlands after suffering concussion while on Great Britain Under-21 duty at the weekend.
And the Robins were never able to recover from the worst possible start as they conceded a 5-1 in the opening race.
Guest reserve Connor Mountain came through to take the chequered flag in the second race – in what was just one of four race victories for the Robins.
The hosts were able to pull further clear though, securing four more heat advantages out of the next five and when home skipper Rory Schlein went on to deny tactical substitution nominee Troy Batchelor in Heat 11, that confirmed defeat for the Blunsdon outfit with four races to spare.
But Batchelor linked up with No.1 Nick Morris for 5-1 maximums in Heats 13 and 15 to make the score look slightly more respectable on a tough night at the office for the Robins.
Team boss Alun Rossiter admits it was frustrating and has also revealed how team changes could be on their way “I’ll make a decision in the morning with regards to what I’ll do,” Rossiter said.“I’ve had a chat with Troy and Nick about a couple of situations and I’m in two minds.
“It was a very frustrating night for us but the track was very difficult early on. If you made a gate that was it, I’ve never seen the Wolverhampton track in this state before. Wolverhampton has always been a good track, but I think they’re struggling with the shale.
“It was very heavily watered and very greasy early on, it made everything difficult. It’s the same for everybody though so we cannot use that as an excuse. When we gated we won, when we didn’t, we didn’t. It’s important we regroup now ahead of Thursday.”
Swindon host league leaders Somerset, who also include World Champion and former Robins No.1 Jason Doyle, at The Abbey Stadium this Thursday (7.30).
WOLVERHAMPTON 52: Cameron Heeps 13+2, Sam Masters 13, Rory Schlein 8, Ashley Morris 7+1, Kyle Howarth 6+1, Jacob Thorssell 5+1, Nathan Greaves 0.
SWINDON 38: Troy Batchelor 14+1, Nick Morris 7+2, Adam Ellis 6+1, Connor Mountain 6, Tobiasz Musielak 3, Jack Smith 2+1, David Bellego R/R.
