THE Robins romped to a conclusive 14-point success in the ‘Battle of the Birds’, as they again took over top spot in the Elite League standings, displacing Poole.
Thursday 12 June 2008
SWINDON ROBINS 53 EASTBOURNE HAGON SHOCK EAGLES 39
Sky Sports Elite League ‘B’
Skipper Leigh Adams headed the scoring with 10+1 points, but there were also good contributions from Mads Korneliussen (9), Travis McGowan (8+2) and James Wright (8+1) in what was a solid team performance.
Meanwhile, new signing Manuel Hauzinger enjoyed a dream debut in the No. 6 berth, winning his first ride in Swindon colours and ending the evening with a terrific 8 points to his name.
The highlight of the Austrian’s performance undoubtedly occurred in heat eleven, when he sped to victory from Scott Nicholls, after Troy Batchelor had cleverly clamped down on the British Champion in the run to the first corner, allowing Hauzinger the freedom to surge ahead on the outside line.
For the Eagles, Swindon asset Lee Richardson made an excellent return to his old stamping ground to notch 14 points, his tally enhanced by a second place finish from a tactical ride in heat seven.
The British No. 1, Nicholls, supplied top-end support to ‘Rico’ and, although he only took the chequered flag in one race, the Ipswich-born rider carded 10+2 points.
However, Eastbourne’s top duo lacked the necessary backing from their team-mates to have seriously challenged the Robins and the East Sussex side will have been generally disappointed with their overall showing.
