Peterborough Panthers v Ipswich Witches

IPSWICH enhanced their position at the top of the Premiership with a dramatic Super Heat victory at Peterbrorough.

The Witches trailed 40-32 at the East of England Arena with three races remaining, but salvaged a 45-45 draw thanks to a 5-1 in the last heat of the regular match from Jason Doyle and Rohan Tungate.

And the same pairing got the better of Panthers duo Benjamin Basso and guest Josh Pickering in a tremendous decider to take three league points, with the home side collecting just one.

Doyle piled up 17 points from his six regular rides with ex-Peterborough man Tungate on 11+1, whilst Basso (11+1) and Pickering (11) led the way for the Panthers.

Ipswich boss Ritchie Hawkins said: “It has happened so regularly to us, and we have come out on the right end of the result more often than not and that helps being in that position so often this year.

“There is no panic and we seem to have an extra gear or so to step up to. Being led by Jason Doyle is a massive advantage because when it comes down to those Heat 15s and Super Heats, you back him every time.”

Peterborough manager Rob Lyon said: “We led for pretty much all the match before Ipswich came back at us, but I always felt we had enough in the tank to win. But they snatched it right at the death and I think it sums up our season.

“Fair play to them, though, they dug in deep, and when you have the firepower they have with their team at the business end of the season, it’s always going to be difficult.”

PETERBOROUGH 45: Benjamin Basso 11+1, Josh Pickering 11, Simon Lambert 8, Scott Nicholls 6+2, Jordan Jenkins 6+1, Chris Harris 3+1, Hans Andersen r/r.
IPSWICH 45: Jason Doyle 17, Rohan Tungate 11+1, Aaron Summers 5+2, Troy Batchelor 4+2, Danny King 4, Paul Starke 3, Anders Rowe 1+1.
Ipswich beat Peterborough 7-2 in Super Heat.

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Photo credit: JEFF DAVIES