FOLLOWING the Season Launch on Thursday, the campaign starts in earnest for the Robins at Eastbourne on Saturday 15 March, when they face the Hagon Shock Eagles. The encounter is part of the group stages of the Craven Shield, which has been given a makeover for the 2008 season.
Along with Poole, the Eagles and the Robins make up an interesting southern mini-league, with all three teams having undergone significant change over the close season.
The Eagles have probably seen more change than many, with former rider Martin Hagon now running the club, and Robins’ asset Lee Richardson forming a strong heat-leader partnership with Scott Nicholls.
Immaculate skipper Leigh Adams once again heads the Swindon side at No. 1, with his partner at No. 2, Mads Korneliussen being the only other rider retained from the class of 2007.
The Queensland Firebrand, Troy Batchelor, fills the No. 3 slot, with reigning Premier League Riders’ Champion James Wright next in line.
Swindon’s third Aussie, Travis McGowan, is named at No. 5, while the reserve pairing will be newcomer Theo Pijper and the returning Seb Alden, who last rode for the club in 2006.
On the eve of his fifth season in charge of the Robins, team boss Alun Rossiter said: “This is a big test for us, although it’s nice that someone else has been tipped as favourites rather than us for a change!
“We have a new look to the side and the riders have no fear. Make no mistake, though, it will be a tough ask at Eastbourne.
“The Eagles team includes several Arlington track specialists, so it will be good to pitch our wits against the best straight away. I’m really looking forward to it and I know that the lads are, too.”
TEAMS FOR SATURDAY 15 MARCH 2008, Tapes-up 7.30 p.m.
EASTBOURNE HAGON SHOCK EAGLES (Green sheet averages shown in brackets)
1. Scott Nicholls (9.28); 2. Lewis Bridger (4.46); 3. Lee Richardson (Captain, 7.66); 4. Cameron Woodward (4.53); 5. Edward Kennett (5.80); 6. Simon Gustafsson (4.00); 7. James Brundle (3.00). Team manager: Trevor Geer.
SWINDON ROBINS (Green sheet averages shown in brackets)
1. Leigh Adams (Captain, 10.30); 2. Mads Korneliussen (5.18); 3. Troy Batchelor (5.74); 4. James Wright (4.73); 5. Travis McGowan (5.34); 6. Theo Pijper (3.70); 7. Seb Alden (3.84). Team manager: Alun Rossiter.
Referee: D. Holt.
