LEICESTER moved off the foot of the Elite League table with a 49-42 win over Swindon - despite seeing Sam Masters crash out of the meeting in his second ride.
The incident reduced the Lions to five men as they were already operating rider replacement, but the Robins were left to rue the events of Heat 13 which ended as a 5-0 to the home side after both Darcy Ward and guest Craig Cook came to grief having initially held a 5-1 of their own.
Ward scored 15+1 from six rides on his comeback, including a successful tactical ride, whilst Grzegorz Zengota accumulated 14+1. Home skipper Jason Doyle scored 13+1 with guest reserve Carl Wilkinson impressing on 12.
Leicester boss Norrie Allan said: “I was content with operating rider replacement to cover for Grzegorz Walasek because in my mind I had confidence in our top four to score well - but there is always a risk that a rider can pick up an injury during the course of the match which leaves you vulnerable.
“The unthinkable happened as we lost Sam Masters in his second race with a dislocated right thumb and that placed a bit of unwanted pressure on us, and it was a relief when we won Heats 12 and 13 which left us in a strong position to win the match.”
Swindon manager Alun Rossiter said: “Everybody tried, but it just wasn’t to be in the end so we have to focus on the positives. Greg was outstanding again, and Darcy came in and rode like he had never been away.
“Eduard (Krcmar) 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.”
