MATCH REPORT: Coventry pipped at the post by Swindon

Coventry Devlins Newsagents slipped to a third successive home defeat on Sunday afternoon as they lost narrowly to Wiltshire club Swindon in a return challenge fixture.

After losing out to Swindon pre-season, Coventry were seeking revenge on home territory. The Godiva city side led for the majority of the meeting, only to concede a 7-3 in the final heat of the afternoon, resulting in a narrow three point loss.

Coventry were without home grown talent Myke Grimes, young prospects Mason Phillips, Josh Marsh, Charlie Barnett and Shaun Reynolds. 12 year old girl racer Bailie Phillips was drafted into the side to make her senior team debut, a remarkable achievement following recent on track success.

Coventry made a steady start though were let down in heat 3 as Dave Frith failed to finish the race after falling.  A 7-2 resulted meaning Swindon held the early advantage. Swindon, who were racing without a number 8, were forced to concede a 6-3 in heat 5 meaning both sides were deadlocked after heat 5 at 24 points a piece.

A couple of shared heats followed as Dominik Rycharski continued his unbeaten run though guest for Swindon, Mark Winwood, looked in unstoppable form as he was also unbeaten. Two key race advantages for the visitors in the concluding two heats of the second half put Swindon narrowly infront at the half way stage.

Dave Frith and Joe McLaughlin then paired up for a 7-3 immediately after the interval as Coventry re took the lead. Further race advantages in heats 10 & 16 left Coventry nursing a one point lead heading into the final race.

Unfortunately, both Kyle Roberts and Dave Frith failed to earn the 5-5 required as Frith pulled up whilst in second place just as Roberts was making rapid progress in reeling in Payne and conceded a 7-3 as Swindon won the meeting by 90 points to Coventry’s 87.