SWINDON'S unbeaten start to the defence of their Elite League title was ended with a 54-40 defeat at King's Lynn on Wednesday.

But manager Alun Rossiter had praise for his side who went into the meeting without absent skipper Hans Andersen and were denied an Elite League rider to cover.

Troy Batchelor, Eddie Kennett and Peter Kildemand put in strong performances to lead the side – whilst Nick Morris made a solid contribution from the No.2 race jacket.

Yet with guest Lewis Blackbird inevitably struggling on his top flight debut plus reserves Kacper Gomolski and Ashley Birks making minimal impact the Excalibur Communications Robins were unable to earn a consolation point.

Rossiter said: “It was always going to be tough going there without Hans. Kings Lynn are strong side and they showed that tonight around their home track.

“Troy always seems to raise the bar when he steps in and tonight he was fantastic for us.

“Nick’s slowly getting there even though he’s having a ragged time with setups, but we’re hoping we can get him going very shortly.

“Peter and Eddie also rode well, but in the end we just didn’t have enough fire power there tonight.”

KING’S LYNN 54: Rory Schlein 13+1, Niels-Kristian Iversen 13, Seb Alden 10+1, David Howe 7+2, Richie Worrall 6+2, Simon Stead 5+3, Mads Korneliussen R/R.

SWINDON 40: Troy Batchelor 14, Peter Kildemand 10+1, Edward Kennett 8+2, Nick Morris 5, Kacper Gomolski 2+2, Ashley Birks 1, Lewis Blackbird 0.