AFTER 33 years of hurt the Robins speedway side have finally given the people of Swindon something to cheer.

The boys from Blunsdon roared to an emphatic victory over Hull Vikings last night to claim the Premier League Knockout Cup.

The red and white ribbons tied to the glorious trophy meant only one thing as the fans, riders and staff celebrated the team's first ever victory in a knockout competition.

That alone is a fantastic achievement given that in the 40 years of knockout competitions we have not once lifted the ultimate prize.

The Rockin' Robins have simply been the most consistent side of the season winning more matches throughout the campaign than any other team and going so close to a fantastic treble.

As it is they still have the chance of a double as Jed Stone's side go into battle once again tonight in the Young Shield semi-finals at Sheffield.

A good result tonight and I bet the atmosphere for the return leg at Blunsdon on Sunday will be something quite special.

And who is to say they can't recreate the wonderful scenes from Humberside and earn their second trophy of the season.

When you think how close the lads came to winning the Premier League you begin to realise just how successful a side Jed Stone and promoter Peter Toogood have moulded over the past year.

Toogood revealed how he had been criticised at the start of the season for putting together a side which amounted to nothing more than a Dad's Army selection mixed with a couple of teenagers.

It just so happens that his blend of experience and youth has had the desired effect firing the team to greater heights and landing the team's first piece of silverware since 1967.

Attendances are on the up at the big and pacy Blunsdon and Mr Toogood has already promised to see things through to next year, building on his success. Let's hope he can keep hold of Jed and the boys and extend their glory.

Sport in Swindon has been going through a sticky patch in recent years. There has been a distinct lack of success on the national scene, but Toogood and Stone deserve a massive amount of credit for putting the pride back into our sporting town.

Things cannot have been easy for Mr Toogood in particular.

He has switched the riding night from Saturday to Thursday and he has battled against financial difficulties. But it has been worth it.

The determination, pride and vision of this one man has thrust speedway into the limelight again, given everyone a lift and the boys have vindicated his efforts.

Now, let's hope the team can go on and complete this brilliant campaign by winning the shield and completing a deserved double.

Well done lads, now let's go and finish the job.