Peterborough saw their charge towards a first competitive victory of the season halted by a major electrical failure

Panthers led 33-18 when referee Mick Posselwhite was left with no alternative other than to abandon the contest after eight completed races - two short of the number required for a result to stand.

Much of the East of England Showground track and the grandstand was plunged into darkness by an underground fault.

“It is a major fault which could not be repaired tonight,” said Panthers co-promoter Trevor Swales. “It is massively disappointing as were riding very well on a terrific track, but unfortunately it is a situation which is out of our hands.”

Panthers were dominating the Devils after slamming in four 5-1s in the opening six races.

Skipper Ulrich Ostergaard, who reeled off back-to-back wins, looked the most impressive member of a home team firing on all cylinders.

The visitors’ only advantage had arrived courtesy of a successful tactical ride from Kalle Katajisto in an eighth-heat 6-3.

The meeting will be rescheduled with no date confirmed as yet.

Panthers return to action on Saturday (March 29) when they travel to Rye House for the opening leg of the East of England Cup challenge competition.

They will be intent on revenge after the Hertfordshire side triumphed 46-44 at Alwalton on Panthers’ opening night last week.

Panthers: Lewis Blackbird 7+1, Ulrich Ostergaard 6, Oliver Greenwood 5+2, Ryan Fisher 5+1, Ales Dryml 4+1, Lasse Bjerre 3+1, Joe Jacobs 3.

Plymouth: Kalle Katajisto 10, Kyle Newman 4, Rasmus Jensen 1+1, Ben Barker 1, Sam Simota 1, Roland Benk 1, Ben Reade 0.