SWINDON Storm’s British American Football Association Division Two season continued to stall as they were beaten 30-8 by Hertfordshire Cheetahs on Sunday in their first home game of the season.

Storm, who lost their season opener to Portsmouth Dreadnoughts 20-0, were hoping to get a first win under their belts as they welcomed the Cheetahs to Supermarine RFC.

In the first half, Swindon struggled as the visitors opened up a 22-point margin by the interval to put the game out of reach for Rich Van Sloten's side.

However, in the second half, Swindon rallied and crossed the line through rookie Jack Chandler to claw back eight points, but it was too little, too late.

Despite the defeat, head coach Van Sloten took plenty of positives from the contest.

“We played a very well-drilled team, who everyone is pencilling in as conference champions,” said the Storm chief.

“So, on that basis, I think we gave a good account of ourselves. Obviously we would have liked the win, but that’s football at times.

“Defensively, I felt we really put them under pressure from the first drive. Herts came into the game thinking it would be another walkover for them score-wise, but as many teams have found out, Swindon Storm never stop battling.

“Offensively, with the players we have out injured or missing, I think the team we put out showed real grit and determination. They never stopped attacking, which eventually paid off with rookie Jack Chandler running in the touchdown.

"At the moment, I’m not concerned. Yes we have lost our first two games, but with injuries, it was always going to be tough.

“The players aren’t dropping their heads. They keep fighting and I’m very proud of them all and the way the coaching staff are working.”

Van Sloten’s side now travel to Bournemouth Bobcats this weekend before their season takes a four-week break.