EXCALIBUR Communications Robins boss Alun Rossiter was delighted after seeing his side open up their 2013 season with a comfortable 55-37 victory over Poole in the first leg of the Elite Shield.

With each of their top five riders scoring paid-nine or above plus both reserves making solid Blunsdon debuts, Swindon were able to bag a comprehensive win over their 2012 Elite League Grand Final opponents.

And Rosco says they will be aiming for another victory in the second leg at Wimborne Road tomorrow (12 noon).

He said: “It was a really good win and we’re really happy with it.

“Swindon turned up and Poole didn’t, but at the end of the day you can only beat what’s put in front of you and the boys were really good.

“I’m sure when the real stuff comes around in the league it will be a different story but it was a good first meeting for us.

“Obviously on their home track tomorrow it will be a different kettle of fish but we’re certainly up for it.

“We’ll be going down there looking to come away with the win. We’re not going there just to consolidate and I’m confident we can give them a run for their money.”

Swindon 55: Hans Andersen 13+1, Troy Batchelor 10, Peter Kildemand 9+1, Edward Kennett 8+1, Nick Morris 7+2, Kacper Gomolski 4+2, Ashley Birks 4

Poole 37: Chris Holder 15+1, Robert Miskowiak 7+2, Kyle Howarth 5, Dawid Stachyra 3, Rohan Tungate 3, Maciej Janowski 2+1, Darcy Ward 2

*ROBINS make one change to their line-up for Friday's second leg, with Kyle Newman guesting for Ashley Birks, who is racing for his Premier League club Scunthorpe - whilst Poole call up Alex Davies to replace Rohan Tungate.

PIC: Hans Andersen and Troy Batchelor out in front of Maciej Janowski in Heat 13. (Les Aubrey Pic)