I REMEMBER hearing plenty of times over the winter, that 2010 was not going to be a vintage year for Leigh Adams.

This point of view was formed firstly on the basis that the Swindon captain was shortly to reach 39 years of age (which he did last week), therefore making him an elder statesman in speedway terms.

Secondly, this being his last season, he would be less committed and less willing to put his body on the line.

When I spoke to the Robins skipper at the press and practice day back in March, one of the first things he said about his swansong was that he wanted to go out with a bang.

These were not just words. Adams’ desire to reach the standards he has set in the past was clearly as intense as ever, and now his actions have spoken for themselves.

Following his first full maximum of 2010 at home to Peterborough last night, Swindon’s talisman has averaged a whopping 10.86 for his first seven meetings, 0.86 greater than the average he was signed for over the winter.

Not exactly winding down then, and, alarmingly for his Elite League opposition, a quick chat with Swindon’s top man last night revealed that he believes he can go even faster.

Whether he will or not, time will tell, but at the very least, based on his form so far this campaign, it’s difficult to argue with manager Ronnie Russell’s pre-season statement that the Aussie will increase his average.

Elsewhere, congratulations are in order for Robins reserve Jordan Frampton, who qualified for the British final last night after winning all three of his races in a rain-affected meeting at Sheffield.

If Simon Stead comes through his semi at King’s Lynn on Wednesday, that will make it two Swindon men in the final at Wolverhampton on June 14.

On current form you’d fancy him to advance without much difficulty.