SWINDON made a winning start to their Elite League campaign at Blunsdon – although a late Birmingham rally saw the visitors escape with a point.

Alun Rossiter’s new-look side showed their potential with a host of race wins coming from all areas of the team, although they were left to rue a costly series of falls which prevented them from taking all three league points on offer.

There was a shock in Heat 1 as the Brummies collected maximum points over Troy Batchelor, but the Robins quickly hit back with Peter Kildemand launching a productive evening by partnering Robin Aspegren to a 5-1 in Heat 2.

It was the first of three wins for Kildemand, and although he also fell twice he showed what a weapon he will be at reserve by defeating GP star Bjarne Pedersen in Heat 8.

That served to fire up the home side who picked up three 5-1s in the next four races, a run interrupted only by Pedersen’s winning tactical ride in Heat 11.

When Hans Andersen recovered to pass Ben Barker for a 4-2 in Heat 13, Robins appeared home and dry with an eleven-point lead – but Jason Doyle and Kildemand both crashed out of Heat 14 to bring the Brummies back to within six points.

The match was won but the Robins required an advantage in Heat 15 to secure maximum points, and their chances of achieving that were virtually over when Batchelor fell on turn three, leaving Andersen to head home Pedersen and Barker in the re-run.

Robins will hope to get their own away programme off to a flying start in Friday’s return fixture at Perry Barr (7.30pm start).

SWINDON 49: Hans Andersen 12, Simon Stead 10+1, Peter Kildemand 9, Troy Batchelor 7, Nick Morris 6+1, Robin Aspegren 3+1, Jason Doyle 2+1.

BIRMINGHAM 43: Bjarne Pedersen 17+1, Danny King 9, Ben Barker 8+2, Josh Auty 6+1, Martin Smolinski 2+1, Chris Mills 1+1, Sebastian Ulamek r/r.