SWINDON were sent crashing to a 59-34 Elite League defeat on a sun-drenched Saturday afternoon at Eastbourne.

The Robins were always behind against the play-off chasers and the loss at the Arlington Stadium still leaves them at the foot of the league table.

The Eagles were quicker from the starts in the early races and by the time Heat 4 had been completed they had built up a 17-7 lead – and it was one they never came close to surrendering.

Scott Nicholls went for double-points in Heat 5 in a hope to reduce the deficit but the tactical move proved disastrous. He attempted to pass Cameron Woodward on the opening lap but fell after making a hash of the third bend and was excluded from the re-run. In the re-start Lewis Bridger and Woodward held on for another 5-1 ahead of Jesper B Monberg.

Another home maximum followed in Heat 7, but Swindon did get better reward from their tactical ride in Heat 8. Nicolai Klindt donned the black and white helmet and won the race from the gate ahead of Woodward and Eagles guest Ryan Fisher, with the resulting 6-3 still leaving Eastbourne in an unassailable 33-18 lead.

And that was as close as the Robins were to get with the Eagles pulling further clear in the second half of the meeting and comfortably securing the three Elite League points.

EASTBOURNE 59: Joonas Kylmakorpi 17+1, Bjarne Pedersen 13+2, Lewis Bridger 11, Ryan Fisher 8+2, Cameron Woodward 7+2, Timo Lahti 3, Simon Gustafsson R/R.

SWINDON 34: Nicolai Klindt 11, Ricky Kling 8, Jesper B Monberg 5+2, Scott Nicholls 5, Simon Stead 4+1, Cory Gathercole 1+1, Maciej Janowski R/R.