PETERBOROUGH’S weakened team went down to a 37-56 defeat at Rye House on Saturday in the East of England Cup.

The TC Harrison Panthers had allowed regular riders Lewis Blackbird and Joe Jacobs to race in official matches for their Elite League clubs, whereas the Rockets were far closer to full-strength.

Home No.1 Edward Kennett roared to a paid maximum from five rides and was well supported by most of his team-mates, whilst for the Panthers several riders had their moments – but not enough on a consistent basis.

Both Ryan Fisher and captain Ulrich Ostergaard won two races, Fisher’s Heat 11 effort coming for double points, and at that stage the margin of lead for the home side was just nine before they finished strongly in the closing races.

Ales Dryml was a winner in his third outing, whilst the promising signs continued from reserve Oliver Greenwood, who took the flag in Heat 2 against a far more experienced home combination.

Panthers will return to full-strength for the vital business of a League Cup clash with Somerset at the Showground on Tuesday – with the Rebels having stated their intentions in a thumping away win at Plymouth on Saturday.

RYE HOUSE 56: Edward Kennett 13+2, Steve Boxall 12+1, Luke Bowen 10+1, Matt Tresarrieu 9+3, Jason Garrity 9, Simon Lambert 3+2, Jason Bunyan r/r.

PETERBOROUGH 37: Ryan Fisher 13, Ulrich Ostergaard 9, Ales Dryml 6, Oliver Greenwood 5+1, Lasse Bjerre 4, Danny Phillips 0, Lewis Blackbird r/r.