Peterborough Panthers v King’s Lynn Stars

PETERBOROUGH moved off the bottom of the Premiership table with a dramatic 46-44 win over A47 rivals King’s Lynn at the East of England Arena.

The Panthers overcame the loss of Michael Palm Toft with more injury problems after one ride and pulled back from six points down to go into the last-heat decider level.

Chris Harris (11+1) won the race and was unbeaten barring one mechanical failure, with Ulrich Ostergaard (11+2) supplying the vital third place split by Josh Pickering (15). Panthers reserve Benjamin Basso racked up a crucial 15+1 score from seven rides.

Peterborough boss Rob Lyon said: “It could have gone either way, it was tight, but we knew Heats 12 and 14 were critical for us, and we had to make the sacrifice and put Jordan (Jenkins) in 13.

“I’m pleased, and it was a great team performance especially with Tofty pulling out. Heat 15 was a bit hectic and you could see what Josh was trying to do, fair play to him, but Ulrich managed to hold on, and with Bomber flying, it was enough.”

Pickering said: “We wanted to win, we wanted all four points, but Peterborough did Ipswich the other week by ten points so they’re a strong side, especially when Bomber’s riding the way he is.

“I feel there’s plenty we can take away from it. Lewi had bike issues all night, but Richie (Worrall) rode very good, (Richard) Lawson did good as well, and I feel like I played my part, but it just wasn’t enough.”

PETERBOROUGH 46: Benjamin Basso 15+1, Ulrich Ostergaard 11+2, Chris Harris 11+1, Scott Nicholls 6+1, Hans Andersen 3+1, Jordan Jenkins 0, Michael Palm Toft 0.
KING’S LYNN 44: Josh Pickering 15, Richard Lawson 10, Richie Worrall 8+1, Thomas Jorgensen 7, Jason Edwards 3+1, Lewis Kerr 1, Niels Kristian Iversen r/r.

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Photo credit: JEFF DAVIES