PETERBOROUGH claimed their first silverware of the season – and unearthed a potential star of the future.
The Readypower Panthers were never in danger of forfeiting their big lead in the second leg of the Hokey-Cokey Cup at Coventry.
Even though they went down 50-40 at Brandon they had a comfortable overall aggregate victory 102-80.
Despite being without the three Polish riders – Krzysztof Buczkowski, Norbert Kosciuch and Kacper Gomolski – the Panthers were actually all square on the night with just three races left.
But, as in last year’s play-off semi finals, the Buildbase Bees staged a storming late rally to make sure they started their home programme with a win even though they had to watch their rivals parading the trophy.
And the most pleasing aspect of the performance was 19-year-old reserve Dakota North who had two race wins in his nine, paid 11.
He beat Premier League Riders’ Champion Kenni Larsen, American Ryan Fisher, experienced Travis McGowan and Richard Sweetman.
But he was still an angry young man at the end of his first official meeting in Peterborough colours because he dropped points to fellow Aussie Nick Morris.
He said: “It really cheesed me off but I don’t support I can be too upset.
“If I can carry on like that I’ll be happy and all I want to do is win a full-time place in the Panthers’ side next season.”
North could easily have increased his tally but for some poor starts but he had the Peterborough fans talking as he rounded off a fantastic three nights in which he scored paid 47 points from three matches, including two Premier League maximums.
He added: “I enjoyed it when I was in front but I know I’ve got to improve my gating but I think that will come.”
COVENTRY 50 (Hans Andersen 13, Edward Kennett 10:1, Ryan Fisher 8:1, Kenni Larsen 7, Nick Morris 4:2, Richard Sweetman 4, Travis McGowan 4)
PETERBOROUGH 40 (Nicki Pedersen 11, Dakota North 9:2, Oliver Allen 7:1, Linus Sundström 6:2, Troy Batchelor 5, Luke Bowen 2:1, rider replacement for Kacper Gomolski).