TROY Batchelor promised Robins' fans there was more to come from him after a highly satisfying start to his Blunsdon racing career - on a borrowed engine.

The young Aussie ace carded paid 10 on his home Swindon debut as his side saw off much-fancied Eastbourne Eagles by six points in last night's Craven Shield tie.

Batchelor endured a hit-and-miss night in the season-opening 11-point defeat to the Eagles in Sussex on Monday, but hit back to record two race wins in a promising home opener for the Robins.

Skipper Leigh Adams played a significant role in his countryman's display, by lending Batchelor an engine, with the youngster also praising the work of his own backroom team as he gave home fans an enticing glimpse of his talent.

Batchelor said: 'Paid 10 was good, but it could have been better. At least it gives me something to work on now.

'Apart from heat 15, when I think I chose the wrong gate, it went pretty well.

'I think the crowd were excited about the new riders. We could have won a few more races, but in the first meeting you can't expect too much.

'Hopefully each meeting it will get better and better. I want to have a good year and finish with an eight-point average."

He added: "I've got a new tuner now, Brian Andersen, and we've just got to work on it. I was making some decent starts today. Leigh lent me and engine. It's looking good."

Adams, inevitably, led the way for the home side, his paid maximum including a sensational heat 15 pass on both Eastbourne's big-hitters, Scott Nicholls and Lee Richardson, that drew applause from the home support.

For the visitors, Richardson - returning to Blunsdon for the first time since being loaned out to the Eagles in the winter - top scored with paid 12, with Great Britain skipper Nicholls next on paid 11.

But elsewhere, the visitors were largely second best, reserve Seb Alden (paid six) and James Wright (paid seven) recovering from slow starts to post encouraging scores.

It all added up to a good night's work for team boss Alun Rossiter, who revealed his side were already beginning to win over some of the sceptics.

Rossiter said: "I've had about 10 people come into my office and apologise! They're saying maybe it's not that bad after all.' There's a bit more confidence there.

"They can see we've got a team of racers, but it's going to take a little time to settle.

"Travis (McGowan) is our key man. Once he gets going, that will make the difference, mark my words.

"I thought they were all great. James Wright had a dodgy first race, but six paid seven from number four spot is a fantastic return.

"You could see that Mads (Korneliussen) and Leigh dialled in straightaway and Troy is gong to get better and better each week. His confidence is going to go through the roof."

Eagles shaded the heat count 8-7, but despite always being in touch, never led the contest.

Adams and Korneliussen (paid nine) opened up with a 5-1, one of two for that duo on the night, and after a nip-and-tuck opening eight heats - with two points separating the sides - Robins pulled clear and go on to the Easter weekend Elite Shield showdown with old foes Coventry Bees in good heart.