SWINDON Robins romped to a 28-point win at the Abbey Stadium as they dominated the Rye House Rockets 59-31 in the opening leg of their SGB Premiership Knockout Cup tie.

The hosts were on form from the outset to make it back-to-back victories after last Thursday’s league win over Wolverhampton.

Team boss Alun Rossiter praised the character of his side after bouncing back from two defeats earlier this month, pointing to duo Troy Batchelor and David Bellego after the pair both recorded impressive paid 12s.

“Troy and David seem to ride together very well. They egg each other on, spur each other and wind each other up,” said Rossiter.

“It works really well on the track. I thought David was really sharp coming out of the gate, he looked a lot sharper than I have seen him in a little while.

“A couple of weeks ago a few people thought it was doom and gloom, saying Bellego should be out and stuff like that.

“It was also good to see Jack (Smith, reserve) pick up some points as well. We have been working on Jack, he’ll get better and over time his confidence will grow too.

“I’ve learned not to bother looking, Bellego got a maximum tonight. Him and Troy work really well and long may it continue because they feed off each other.

“The team spirit is excellent. I know we are winning and that makes things easier, but even when things aren’t quite right it is still a good atmosphere.

“Some people thought the two losses (to Belle Vue and Somerset in the league) were the end of the world, but they were against two good teams. There are no easy matches.”

After a shower at the Abbey Stadium, the Robins soared into a dominant position, Nick Morris and Adam Ellis registering a 5-1 win in the opening heat.

Heat two saw Zach Wajtknecht show great speed to race clear. Fellow reserve Smith offered good support to claim third.

The red lights were triggered in the third, and just as well as in the re-run Bellego made full use of the second chance alongside Batchelor for a second 5-1 win.

That was only increased in the fourth, as a gritty performance saw Smith hold on for third while Tobiasz Musielak led from the front.

Bellego was as impressive in his second outing as he pocketed another win, while Batchelor produced a fine team ride to hold off the visiting duo.

Skipper Morris continued the trend as Rossiter’s troops drifted further in front, a 4-2 win making the score 29-7 after six heats.

The Rockets had lift off in heat seven with their first winner of the night through Krzysztof Kasprzak, but they still drew the heat due to tenacious work from Musielak and Wajtknecht.

The eighth was also shared after Ellis was unable to convert his early heat advantage.

In nine, Batchelor was the quickest off the line and took the win, Bellego managed to find a way past Scott Nicholls on bend four to finish second.

Morris led by example in 10, cannoning around the opening bend into the lead. Ellis snatched second on the line for yet another 5-1.

In the 11th, Musielak went wide on the opening bend, but held on to the lead. Wajtknecht brought up the rear, the first time a Robin had finished last

The red lights were back on during the final lap of 12 as Smith slid off late on, but the race win was awarded to Batchelor, making the score 49-23.

Morris was disqualified from 13 as he caused Chris Harris and Scott Nicholls to fall between turns three and four, but Musielak won the heat.

A 5-1 in the 14th courtesy of Bellego and Wajtknecht meant Swindon were 30 clear going into 15, House earning some late consolation with a 4-2 heat advantage.

SWINDON 59: Nick Morris (3-3-3-Fx-R) 9; Adam Ellis (2*-1-2-2*-2) 9+2; Troy Batchelor (2*-2*-3-3) 10+2; David Bellego (3-3-2*-3) 11+1; Tobiasz Musielak (3-2-3-3) 11; Zach Wajtknecht (3-1*-0-2*) 6+2; Jack Smith (1-1-1*-F) 3+1.

RYE HOUSE 31: Chris Harris (1-1-2-1*) 5+1; Aaron Summers (0-0-3-1*) 4+1; Krysztof Kasprzak (R-3-0-2-3) 8; Edward Kennett (1-0-1-R) 2; Scott Nicholls (2-2-1-2-1) 8; Emil Grøndal (guest) (0-0-0-1*-1) 2+1; Max Clegg (2-0-0) 2