Peterborough were left pointless in their opening Premier League meeting of the campaign on Saturday night – despite a hat-trick of double-figures displays from their riders.

Guest number one Richard Lawson top-scored with a tactical ride-boosted dozen points as the ‘TC Harrison’ Panthers went down by a dozen to his old club Workington at Derwent Park.

Danish duo Ulrich Ostergaard and Lasse Bjerre also continued their prolific recent form with 11+1 and 11 respectively and those three riders shared seven heat victories between them.

But a shortage of points from the bottom end cost Panthers dear. The reserve combination of Joe Jacobs and Oliver Greenwood could manage only one point, which arrived from the former when they were on the receiving end of a 5-1 in heat two, between them.

Second string Lewis Blackbird also had to settle for a single point although he was arguably deserving of more.

Co-boss Blayne Scroggins said: “Workington are regarded as strong contenders for the title this season and it is easy to see why.

“They have a very strong team and it is a very tough place to go. I don’t think many teams will have any joy up there, but I’m still disappointed to come away empty-handed as we were well in contention for almost two-thirds of the meeting.

“Both reserve lads were unfortunately off the pace and it is an uphill battle when that happens. Lewis was unlucky not to score more points, but the number two position is very tough on the road.”

Lawson, a Workington rider for the past four seasons, was a shrewd choice of guest. He took the flag in a shared opener, but a 5-1 in the second instalment edged the Comets ahead.

Panthers were always trailing from then on although a maximum return from Ostergaard and Ales Dryml in heat seven reduced their arrears to just two points.

They found themselves 10 points adrift though after conceding two 5-1s in the space of three races and Lawson was thwarted by Rene Bach in heat 11 when chasing double-points. Panthers had to settle for a 4-4 in that race with Blackbird at the back.

A 5-1 from Ricky Wells and reserve Ashley Morris sealed Workington’s success in the next race and Panthers saw their hopes of a consolation point disappear despite Ostergaard taking the flag in a shared penultimate race.

Panthers continue north for a second meeting in as many days when they visit Glasgow tomorrow (Sunday, 3pm).

Lawson again guests at number one in place of injured Ryan Fisher.

WORKINGTON 52: Josh Grajczonek 13, Ashley Morris 8+3, Mason Campton 7+2, Ricky Wells 7+1, Kyle Howarth 7, Rene Bach 6, Chris Mills 4+2.

‘TC HARRISON’ PANTHERS 40: Richard Lawson 12, Ulrich Ostergaard 11+1, Lasse Bjerre 11, Ales Dryml 4+1, Lewis Blackbird 1, Joe Jacobs 1, Oliver Greenwood 0.