SWINDON will take a 53-41 lead into their challenge meeting second leg against Somerset tonight after surviving an early scare to triumph at Blunsdon yesterday evening.

The Robins were 16-14 down after five heats but rallied with three 5-1s in a row which sent them on their way to an emphatic victory.

Even a brilliant haul of 16 from Rebels guest Darcy Ward could not deny the hosts, for whom Hans Andersen weighed in with a highly-impressive 13.

It was the first time Swindon had ridden together as a team competitively and several riders impressed particularly, none more so than Nick Morris.

The Aussie teenager racked up nine points from four rides – including a win over Swindon number one Troy Batchelor – and is already looking a decent proposition in the number two slot.

And Morris feels there is even more to come from himself with the Elite League opener against Birmingham less than two weeks away.

“I had a good night and it could have been a little bit better if I hadn’t had a few chain and clutch problems,” he said.

“I felt pretty good on the bike and the track was alright, I think there could be a bit more grip on it in a couple of weeks, but I’m happy.

“I don’t really care what number I ride at to be honest. You get your hard rides at the start and your easier ones later on, so it works itself out.”

Also impressing for the Robins were reserves Kenny Ingalls and Robin Aspegren, who made mincemeat of their rivals Alex Davies, Kyle Newman and Tom Perry, the latter two of which effectively shared the number seven berth.

Guest Davey Watt clocked up 10 points for Somerset but the Abbey Stadium side simply had too much overall firepower for their Premier League opponents.

Swindon will track the same line-up for tonight’s second leg at the Oak Tree Arena, but Somerset have brought in guest Charlie Gjedde for Davey Watt. Gjedde will ride at number five with Sam Masters moving to three.

Meanwhile, Rossiter has voiced worries that the Robins have not had enough time to prepare for the start of the Elite League campaign.

Swindon’s meetings against Somerset last night and this evening represent their only track time before the league opener against Birmingham on April 5, while the Brummies have four Midland League fixtures to prepare.

Rossiter admitted: “I wouldn’t have minded another challenge meeting next week but it’s not to be. I’m a bit concerned we haven’t got enough track time.

“Birmingham have got the Midland League going on against Coventry and Wolverhampton, and I do think that (the league opener) will be a tough one as they seem quite well-balanced.

“The trouble is putting on meetings comes at a cost.

“The Somerset one is OK because it’s not one you will see too often, but if you try and do it two weeks on the trot then you’re pushing your luck, because people only seem to like proper, official matches.”