ROBINS skipper Hans Andersen stormed to a superb paid maximum and then claimed his team have all the tools necessary to claim the Elite League title.

Andersen, a former top-flight winner with Peterborough in 2006, grabbed paid 15 as Swindon set out their title credentials with a ruthless 54-39 demolition of Coventry at Blunsdon last night.

“It’s nice to not only win but win in style,” said the captain. The last time I was in a team with this sort of calibre, we won the league.

“I think it’s the first time I’ve scored a maximum around this place, so I’m happy.

“I’ve got the confidence in myself and in the bike. The only thing that was lacking before was my gating and I seem to have sorted that out.”

There was excellent support for the Dane from Simon Stead (10+1) and Peter Kildemand (9), the latter of which won three of his four races.

Although number one Troy Batchelor endured another tricky night (5+1), impressive hauls from Nick Morris (7) and Jason Doyle (7+1) more than made up for it.

Swindon team manager Alun Rossiter was delighted with the overall performance.

“We had a little bit of luck but we still had the edge,” he said.

“Strength-in-depth is what it’s all about and it was a team performance, and they all dug deep when they needed to.

“There is a long way to go, but there is the belief in this team.”

The meeting opened up in thrilling style as Batchelor charged from third to first on the final two bends to steal victory from Aaron Summers on the line.

Swindon then asserted themselves with a couple of 4-2s, the second of which saw Stead charge from fourth to first on the second bend.

Andersen then rode a clever defensive race in second to set up the first Robins 5-1 of the evening, before honours were shared in heat five.

Batchelor dropped out next as Scott Nicholls won at his former stomping ground, and another drawn heat saw Swindon lead 24-18 after heat seven.

Another stellar evening from Kildemand was brought to an abrupt halt when he fell leading race eight, although Morris won the re-run to prevent any damage.

Then two huge strokes of luck. The first saw Nicholls snap a chain when out front, before Kenni Larsen pulled up when second.

Another classy display from Andersen was followed by a gutsy triumph from Kildemand, giving him his third win from four races.

Batchelor battled hard for third place in heat 13 which gave Swindon a 4-2 that stretched the lead to 11 points.

And after heat 11 was drawn, Andersen completed a memorable night as he powered from third to first to lead in Stead for a terrific 5-1.

It was a miserable return to the Abbey Stadium for Nicholls, whose snapped chain saw him finish on four, rather than eight, points.

Chris Harris was highly effective but not spectacular up top, while the Bees were demolished in the reserve berths, scoring just six points to the Robins’ 11.