SWINDON kept their Elite League play-off hopes well and truly alive with a hard-fought 50-42 victory over Poole at the Abbey.

All-action Aussie Darcy Ward was in spectacular form on his home debut as he led the M&S Van Rental Robins to a vital win over the Pirates.

Whilst Ward was imperious in the No.1 spot, only missing out on a paid maximum in heat 15, it was another gutsy all-around team display from Alun Rossiter’s side to fuel their top four ambitions.

And team boss Rossiter was full of praise for his side as they leapfrogged fourth placed Belle Vue on points difference in the Elite League table.

Rossiter said: “It’s a great win against a very strong Poole side, and obviously I’m delighted.

“Darcy did well on his home debut but it’s a team effort, and all the boys played their part. The arrival of Darcy has given us all a lift. The Aussie boys are great characters and Darcy is obviously enjoying himself here.

“We’ve got some big meetings to come now, and this is a good way to start an important part of the season because we will keep fighting for the play-offs.”

Skipper Troy Batchelor battled through the pain barrier as he returned from injury to notch eight points including wins in his opening two rides as Swindon raced into an 11 point lead after just seven heats.

Polish hotshot Grzegorz Zengota also continued his excellent run of form to contribute double figures at second string as the Robins accounted for 11 race winners.

However, it was reserve Charles Wright who put in perhaps the most crucial display, storming to 12 points from six rides.

After losing partner Lewis Rose to a right shoulder injury following a nasty crash as he avoided Paul Starke in heat two, Wright bolstered the lower order with a fine showing.

Hans Andersen also bounced back from a tough start to bag two important race wins in the closing stages as he guested for Nick Morris, whilst youngster Eduard Krcmar was on the pace throughout on his home debut despite only adding two points.

Overall, it was an excellent night for Swindon as they prepare for a defining period in their season with four meetings in a week.

They will travel to Wolverhampton on Monday, July 27 before a trip to Poole two days later and a home clash with Lakeside on Thursday, July 30 followed by the return fixture against the Hammers the very next day.

SWINDON 50: Charles Wright 12, Darcy Ward 11+1, Grzegorz Zengota 10+2, Troy Batchelor 8, Hans Andersen 6, Eduard Krcmar 2, Lewis Rose 1+1.

POOLE 42: Maciej Janowski 11, Davey Watt 10, Kyle Newman 8+2, Chris Holder 5+2, Kacper Gomolski 4, Dakota North2+2, Paul Starke 2.

Elite League points: Swindon 3 Poole 0