MATCH REPORT: Payne inspires Hammers to victory

Swindon Robins hosted local rivals Horspath Hammers in their second home meeting of the season. Both teams looked fairly even on paper but a late withdrawal for the Robins tilted the tie probably in the visiting teams favour, which ended 85-91.

The meeting started with multiple drawn heats, until Swindon did find the edge to lead by a point at half time. The second half however proved too much to ask for the Robins, with the Hammers, lead by a very impressive Zac Payne, leading from the front to ride Horspath to victory.

For Swindon, Shaun Rudman, back from a nasty knee injury, made some superb starts and it was also good to see James Bailey and Matty Rayson return to form.

Photos by Peter Payne

For Horspath, Zac Payne was in fine form, with ex-Swindon rider Alice Neighbour showing she is more than capable holding he own in the top league.

One final note to thank Danny Harper for refereeing this encounter. Despite having ties to both clubs, the man in the middle kept the meeting running smooth and precise, whilst remaining completely impartial throughout.