Heavy defeat for Racers.

In the final match of the triangular M4 Trophy last night [Thursday], the Euphony Reading Racers went down to a heavy defeat of 55-35 to their near-neighbours Swindon Robins.

In a meeting where starting was all so important, the Robins were always just that yard quicker in to the first bend.

Robins opened up a 6-point lead after heat 3, with a 5-1 heat advantage over Racers pair Jonas Davidsson and Andrew Appleton, and the home side were never headed after that.

Despite the loss being on the cards early in the meeting, the Racers still gave it their best shot. Skipper Phil Morris showed his determination in heat 5, with an excellent cut up the inside on lap 2 to over take Robins heat-leader Paul Fry.

Reading supporters had to wait until heat 12 for their first heat advantage of the evening, which saw new Swedish star Davidsson and Appleton score a 4-2 over Robins pair of Paul Fry and Ritchie Hawkins. Davidsson's victory over track specialist Fry, was an excellent ride by the Swede, and he is clearly improving with each ride he has for the Berkshire club.

Davidsson's good showing on the night, earned him a place in heat 15 for the nominated top scorers heat.

Top scorer for the Euphony Racers was skipper Phil Morris with a battling 10 points, with Jonas Davidsson supporting with 7 (paid 8).

Swindon star man was former Racer Charlie Gjedde, with a 15-point maximum against his old team-mates. Gjedde was ably supported by Chris Neath with an impressive 11 (paid 14).

Swindon's win tonight, means that all three teams Reading, Swindon and Newport, are tied on 5 points in the M4 Trophy final standings - it's likely that the tournament will be replayed later in the season.

Not a great match for the Racers, but it is still early days in the season. The best is still yet to come from this still very new Reading line-up. All the riders now have a few matches under their belts, and these early season Challenge matches will have given them the chance to blow away all the winter cobwebs - The serious stuff starts next week, when they start racing for Premier League points.

Scorers:

Swindon: 1. Olly Allen 11+1; 2. Jamie Smith 5; 3. Paul Fry 9+1; 4. Chris Neath 11+3; 5. Charlie Gjedde 15; 6. Tommy Allen 1+1; 7. Ritchie Hawkins 3.

Reading: 1. Phil Morris 10; 2. Paul Clews 1+1; 3. Jonas Davidsson 7+1; 4. Andrew Appleton FX 6+1; 5. Scott Smith 6; 6. Dan Giffard (G) 0; 7. Shane Colvin 5+2.

For more on the Racers go to: www.readingspeedway.com