PATCHED-UP Swindon fell agonisingly short of a consolation point as they slipped to a narrow 49-42 defeat against Leicester at Beaumont Park.

The M&S Van Rental Robins were always set to face a tough task with Aussie duo Troy Batchelor and Nick Morris ruled out due to injury plus Charles Wright due to a Premier League fixture clash.

Although new boy Darcy Ward enjoyed a spectacular debut and Grzegorz Zengota continued his fine form, their efforts were in vain as Alun Rossiter’s side failed to add to their Elite League points tally.

Ward kicked off his Robins career in perfect fashion with a classy win in his opening ride before he successfully led an 8-1 with guest Craig Cook as he took a tactical ride in heat six.

However, when both Ward and Cook appeared together again in heat 13 they were both excluded, with Ward first hitting the deck before Cook also crashed in the rerun to gift the home side a costly 5-0.

Although Ward and Zengota ensured the Robins finished with a flourish with a 5-1 in the final race, it was not enough to snatch a point.

The duo both bagged double figures and recorded three wins apiece with battling displays, whilst Cook added a useful 6+1 in the tough No.5 spot.

However, debutant Eduard Krcmar struggled on his Elite League debut despite a solid second place in heat eight, whilst reserve duo Adam Roynon and Lewis Rose made minimal impact.

With rider replacement for the flying Nick Morris yielding just two points, his absence was badly felt.

Team boss Alun Rossiter was frustrated to see his side leave the Midlands empty handed, but he was keen to take the positives from a battling display.

Said Rossiter: “We only got two points from Nick’s rides, we had a bit of bad luck as well when after being on a 5-1 at one point in heat 13 we conceded a 5-0. That was the killer blow in the end really, and it was disappointing to fall just short of getting a point.

“Everybody tried, but it just wasn’t to be in the end so we have to focus on the positives.

“Greg (Zengota) was outstanding again tonight, and Darcy came in and rode like he had never been away.

“Eduard was on the pace which was encouraging in his first meeting – he’s only going to get better so there is a lot we can take from tonight going into Monday’s meeting against Poole.”

They will aim to bounce back as they return to action on Monday as they welcome Poole to the Abbey (7.30).

A blockbuster night of action is expected as Ward and Krcmar make their home debuts, and with admission slashed to just £10 a bumper crowd is expected.

LEICESTER 49: Jason Doyle 13+1, Carl Wilkinson 12, Szymon Wozniak 11+1, Simon Lambert 6+1, Piotr Swiderski 6, Sam Masters 1+1, Grzegorz Walasek R/R.

SWINDON 42: Darcy Ward 15+1, Grzegorz Zengota 14+1, Craig Cook 6+1, Lewis Rose 3, Eduard Krcmar 2, Adam Roynon 2, Nick Morris R/R.

Elite League points: Leicester 3 Swindon 0