SWINDON battled through adversity to claim an excellent 48-40 win over Leicester in an eventful Elite League clash at the Abbey.

Sky Sports Elite League

Swindon Robins 48

Leicester Lions 40

The Robins lost both Dakota North and Nathan Greaves early on and were forced to enter some heats with just one rider.

Aussie ace North was left ruled out with a knee injury following a heavy Heat 4 crash while Greaves also withdrew with a shoulder/collarbone problem having tangled with Leicester reserve Max Clegg in the rerun.

Yet Swindon fought hard to overcome their problems and claim all three points on home soil for only the third time this season,

And boss Alun Rossiter was full of praise for his side after a determined display.

He said: "We were up against it losing Dak and Nathan early on, but it was a great performance by the remaining five riders in the end.

"Troy (Batchelor) really did a captain's job and was reminiscent of Leigh Adams with the way he was shepherding home riders in some races.

"Simon Gustafsson was outstanding as well, and fair play to Nicolai (Klindt) who came in and did a good job for us.

"It was a great win in the circumstances and we are pleased to get all three points."

Back-to-back 5-1s in Heats 12 and 13 swung a tight clash in Swindon's favour after the interval, with Batchelor and Gustafsson securing maximum points in a nervy Heat 15.

Skipper Batchelor led the side superbly throughout with a classy display, while Gustafsson also recorded two race wins on his way to an impressive double-figure haul.

Danish flier Peter Kildemand put in a typically solid showing, although his night did end with a spectacular crash in Heat 13 when battling with Leicester No.1 Jason Doyle.

Former Swindon man Klindt stepped in for Nick Morris and proved a solid guest, improving as the night went on to add a crucial six points in the tough No.3 spot.

Down at reserve Steve Worrall also stepped up to top score on what was a busy night – notching a magnificent 14+2 to help cover Swindon's injury problems.

Swindon: Steve Worrall 14+2, Simon Gustafsson 11+1, Troy Batchelor 10+3, Peter Kildemand 7+2, Nicolai Klindt 6, Dakota North 0, Nathan Greaves 0

Leicester: Jason Doyle 13, Mads Korneliussen 9, Joe Jacobs 5+1, Lasse Bjerre 5, Richard Lawson 3+2, Sam Masters 3, Max Clegg 2.

Elite League points: Swindon 3 Leicester 0