TROY Batchelor has dedicated Swindon Robins first win of the Elite League season to injured teammate Darryl Ritchings.

The Abbey Stadium side claimed a 57-36 success over Belle Vue Aces on Thursday night, and the Robins’ Aussie skipper was quick to devote the result to their injured friend. Ritchings remains in Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital with head injuries following his crash in last week’s match against Coventry, which also left him with a broken ankle.

“It was a performance for him (Darryl),” Batchelor said. “I’m sure that he will want us to go out there and to doing our thing. We got the win and we will dedicate it to him.

“We all know the risk of speedway and we know what can happen, it is sad to see things like that happen and you don’t wish it to happen on any rider or person.”

Batchelor, who only arrived back in the UK at the start of the week following his appearance at the Grand Prix in New Zealand, was pleased to see the side hit back following their defeat to Coventry Bees.

Simon Gustafsson and Nick Morris, both scored 11+2, leading the way for Alun Rossiter’s team over the Manchester-based outfit. Nicolai Klindt also put in his best display of the fledgling campaign with an 8+1.

“It was nice (to win) after last week,” said Batchelor, who weighed-in with an 8+2 against the Aces.

“The boys lost at home and things weren’t so good, but we have bounced back with a big win.

“Simon and Nicolai, some of the second string and reserves were going really well, so things are looking good for the future.”

Batchelor admitted that he feeling the affects of last week’s travelling ahead of the meet against Belle Vue.

“I felt like it was about 8 o’clock in the morning,” he said. “I didn’t know what is going on.

“I was feeling really tired, I’m glad to get this out of the way and finish with a win.”

Batchelor is now set to return to Poland for more testing and racing ahead of Good Friday’s double-header with Poole Pirates - starting on the south coast at 11am with the return leg at Blunsdon at 8pm.