SWINDON remain on the lookout for their first away win of the season after they suffered a disappointing 56-38 defeat at Lakeside on Friday.
Sky Sports Elite League
Lakeside Hammers 56
Swindon Robins 38
Without the services of skipper Troy Batchelor and Steve Worrall, the patched-up Robins were condemned to a heavy defeat on their second trip of the season to the Arena-Essex Raceway.
A miserable start to the meeting left the Abbey outfit 15 behind after just five heats – and although they improved as the meeting wore on they could not prevent a comprehensive defeat.
"Obviously we are bitterly disappointed with the performance because we wanted to try and come away with something," said team boss Alun Rossiter.
"We are struggling a bit at reserve at the moment and (guest) Bjarne Pedersen normally would be good for a lot more than 2+1.
"It was a frustrating night but we just need to regroup and pick ourselves back up."
Danish star Peter Kildemand continued his impressive form to top score for the visitors – yet he received minimal support in the absence of GP star Batchelor.
Aussie racer Nick Morris did put in a solid showing from the tough No.3 position – but Pedersen endured a tough evening in the other heat-leader position.
Robins new-boy Dakota North failed to make any substantial impact around the tricky Lakeside circuit on a frustrating night, while fellow second string Simon Gustafsson proved inconsistent despite an impressive Heat 7 win.
The visitors were also hit by the loss of guest Benji Compton who was eventually forced to withdraw after three rides having felt the effects of a heavy crash in Heat 2 – and with reserve partner Dan Greenwood also struggling Swindon were unable to challenge for a consolation point.
LAKESIDE: Davey Watt 10+1, Lewis Bridger 9+2, Peter Karlsson 9+1, Ben Morley 8+4, Mikkel Bech 8, Richard Lawson 6+1, Adam Ellis 6.
SWINDON: Peter Kildemand 16, Nick Morris 9, Simon Gustafsson 5, Dan Greenwood 4+1, Dakota North 2+1, Bjarne Pedersen 2+1, Benji Compton 0
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