Countless hitches for table-topping TC Harrison Panthers as they lose to Rye House

Peterborough collected a consolation point in their final Premier League Cup, Southern Group outing and now look forward to a mouthwatering clash with Edinburgh.

The table-topping ‘TC Harrison’ Panthers, who had already clinched a semi-final spot, were pipped 49-43 by Rye House on afternoon when they were beset by countless hitches.

Lasse Bjerre top-scored with 13 points but he was somewhat short of back-up as skipper Ulrich Ostergaard and number one Ryan Fisher both endured frustrating meetings.

Ostergaard hit the deck while sat second in heat seven and then suffered a broken chain in the finale when Panthers needed a 5-1 to snatch a draw. The race ended in a 4-2 to the hosts.

Fisher had earlier come to grief when Panthers were on a 5-1 in heat five only for Rockets man Steve Boxall – a brilliant guest for Peterborough as they clinched a place in the League Cup semi-finals with victory at Plymouth on Friday – to get the better of Lewis Blackbird in the re-run.

Fisher also suffered a tapes exclusion in heat 11 and was forced to race off a 15-metre handicap in a race that ended in a Rockets 5-1 and took the home side 12 points clear.

Ales Dryml was deployed in search of double points in the next race but could only come home second behind high-scoring home reserve Jason Garrtity to earn a 4-4.

A Bjerre-led 4-2 in heat 13 followed by a 5-1 from Ostergaard and impressive reserve Oliver Greenwood, who was paid for 11 points, in the penultimate race meant Panthers could level with another maximum in the finale.

But Bjerre had to play second fiddle to rival top-scorer Edward Kennett after mechanical gremlins had put his captain out of the race.

SCORES:

RYE HOUSE: Edward Kennett 14, Jason Garrity 12+1, Steve Boxall 10, Luke Bowen 4+2, Matt Tresarrieu 4+2, Simon Lambert 3+1, Jason Bunyan 2.

‘TC HARRISON’ PANTHERS: Lasse Bjerre 12, Oliver Greenwood 8+3, Ales Dryml 7, Lewis Blackbird 6, Ulrich Ostergaard 6, Ryan Fisher 3, Joe Jacobs 1.

Meanwhile Panthers are bidding to succeed on Tuesday where all before them have failed this season.

The ‘TC Harrison’ Panthers entertain an Edinburgh Monarchs side who have started the season by reeling off a club record-equalling 10 successive victories.

And co-boss Blayne Scroggins is backing his riders to become the first team to claim the scalp of the red-hot Scottish side when they roll into the East of England Showground (7.30pm).

Scroggins said: “Edinburgh have made a sensational start to the season and their record speaks for itself.

“But we have largely been impressive ourselves and we are determined to bring their winning run to an end.

“It is obviously going to be a massive task, but to be the best you have to beat the best.

“Our momentum is building nicely with that memorable league win over Newcastle in front of the Sky Sports cameras last Tuesday being followed by a terrific victory at Plymouth which clinched our place in the semi-finals of the League Cup.

“We also picked up a decent point at Rye House in our final League Cup group fixture on Sunday and we’re raring to go against Edinburgh. We are going into the meeting with every intention of collecting maximum points.”

The Monarchs have been in irresistible form in the early weeks of the campaign.

They won both legs of their season-opening Air Fence Challenge against Glasgow and then roared through the Premier League Cup, Border Group.

And they’ve started the Premier League campaign in similarly impressive style with home and away triumphs over Scunthorpe in recent days.

They thumped the Scorpions 54-39 in the Scottish capital on Friday and then bagged three points with a 48-43 success in the return on Bank Holiday Monday.

Number one Craig Cook powered to a paid maximum in the first of those victories and followed up with a full 15-point maximum at the Eddie Wright Raceway.

Both teams are at full-strength with visiting reserve Steve Worrall facing his third meeting in two days after riding for both Edinburgh and Elite League side Swindon yesterday.

Panthers are set to welcome some very special guests as members of the Peterborough United playing squad will be in attendance at Alwalton.

They will show off the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy ahead of racing.

TEAMS:

‘TC HARRISON’ PANTHERS: Ryan Fisher, Lewis Blackbird, Ales Dryml, Ulrich Ostergaard, Lasse Bjerre, Joe Jacobs, Oliver Greenwood.

EDINBURGH: Craig Cook, Justin Sedgmen, Max Fricke, Derek Sneddon, Sam Masters, Aaron Fox, Steve Worrall.