PANTHERS WIN HOME OPENER

PETERBOROUGH made a solid start to their League Cup campaign by defeating Ipswich 53-37 at the East of England Arena.

Chris Harris dropped just one point for the Panthers with 14 from five rides, and there was also an impressive debut for their only new signing Benjamin Basso, who racked up 12+2 at reserve. Michael Palm Toft added 11.

Harris and Basso combined for a decisive 5-1 in Heat 11 when the Witches paired Jason Doyle and Erik Riss, the latter taking a tactical substitute ride. Riss top-scored on his debut for the club with 11+1.

Panthers boss Rob Lyon said: “I couldn’t have asked for any more. It was a great team performance, and to win by 16 points is an excellent start for us.

“Ben was very good, and quick, and he enjoyed it out here. It was a tremendous debut – as we’ve said before, he was our first choice, and I think everybody can see why now!”

Ipswich manager Ritchie Hawkins said: “It was a decent meeting, and I think we were probably better than if you just looked at the result. I’ve seen enough tonight from my boys to believe we’ve got a good team, and we’ll be in for a good season.

“I think Jason (Doyle) just struggled out of the starts tonight, but I was so happy with Rissy (Erik Riss). I thought he was superb – and Batch (Troy Batchelor) to be fair, I thought he rode better than his points suggested.”

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Photo credit: JEFF DAVIES