Swindon Robins will take a handy eight point lead into the home leg of their Premiership Grand Final after a fine performance at Ipswich, running out eventual winners 49-41.
After storming to 11 race wins in the 15 heats Robins skipper Jason Doyle says the job is only half done and they cannot take anything for granted.
“It’s a good result for us and we’re all pleased with it but we’ve still got a job to do on Thursday,” he said.
“It was a tough night but we all worked hard and we have to be pleased with the result.
“Hopefully we can get the job done on Thursday and finish the season in a good way, I know we’re all looking forward to it and thanks to the fans who made the trip.”
The night started badly for Swindon when Doyle hit the deck in the first turn and was excluded with team mate Adam Ellis clipping his left ankle with his bike.
Ellis won the rerun in impressive style with a sizzling start to pull clear of home duo Niels-Krystian Iversen and Cameron Heeps.
Swindon took the lead for the first time of the evening in Heat 11 with a maximum from Doyle and Ellis at 35-31.
Tobiasz Musielak continued his impressive form in heat 12 to remain unbeaten and with Ellis Perks finishing third extending the lead to 39-33.
Perks was brought in for Claus Vissing in Heat 14 and botched third spot with Rasmus Jensen the winner to guarantee a first leg lead for Swindon.
Doyle finished the job in the last with Musielak third for a Swindon 4-2.
PREMIERSHIP GRAND FINAL, 1st leg
IPSWICH 41: Niels-Kristian Iversen 9+2, Jake Allen 9+1, Richard Lawson 7+2, Cameron Heeps 6+1, Chris Harris 6+1, Danny King 4, James Sarjeant 0
SWINDON 49: Tobiasz Musielak 12+1, Jason Doyle 11, Adam Ellis 8+1, Rasmus Jensen 8+1, Ellis Perks 5, Troy Batchelor 4, Claus Vissing 1+1
