THE Swindon Robins’ comprehensive defeat of Coventry Bees was just what the doctor ordered after their opening-day 61-31 mauling at the hands of champions Poole on Easter Friday.

The Bees got off to bright enough start with Blunsdon specialist Hans Andersen beating home skipper Jason Doyle to race to a 4-2 opening-heat win.

Coventry only enjoyed one more heat win – and finished last (for no points) on 13 occasions – which helped the Robins to a confidence-boosting 55-35 win.

Grand Prix rider Chris Harris headed Josh Grajczonek in race six but this was the only time the likeable Aussie was beaten by an opponent all night.

Captain Doyle also went on to win his remaining four races on a evening of good racing for the Robins.

Harris has had better nights at Blunsdon with the slick track probably not helping him. Had it not been for stand-in reserve Adam Ellis carding three race wins, the Bees would have been truly routed.

The only disappointment for the home side in the Bees defeat was the form of Justin Sedgmen who suffered the Robins only two last places.

However, he should take confidence from heat 11 as he briefly led Doyle and Harris before settling for third place over Bees heat leader Danny King. Sedgmen did some practise laps after the meeting and his score was surely a blip.

Rohan Tungate has not raced at Blunsdon that often but he contributed a steady paid six points. New reserve Stefan Nielsen, who has had a tricky few weeks with machine problems, contributed a decent 6+2 and fellow reserve Charles Wright, after a slow start, claimed a useful paid nine.

Nick Morris, surprisingly beaten by the lively King in race seven, shared in three 5-1 heat wins in his other races and contributed greatly to this 20-point win.

Swindon boss Alun Rossiter said: “I didn’t expect to win by that many, but I’m really pleased. The boys showed they’re racers, and they’re still bedding in.

“It’s still early days, it’s only our second meeting together properly as a team so it’s only going to get better, but I was very happy with that performance.”

Monday’s Elite League fixture at Wolverhampton was rained off.

After several seasons in the doldrums, the Monmore Green outfit look really useful following their crushing 52-38 defeat of the Bees last week.

Blunsdon supporters will be able to see how good they are on Thursday when the Wolves come to visit.

Freddie Lindgren is showing some form, ex-Robin Kyle Howarth rides at reserve, Joonas Kylmakorpi is a Swindon specialist and ‘Farewell to Blunsdon’ winner Sam Masters, Mikkel Bech and Jacob Thorsell provide decent back-up.