A MAGNIFICENT maximum from Brady Kurtz helped Peterborough continue their super Premier League start by drawing a top-of-the-table battle on Thursday night.
The Australian teenager went through the card at Owlerton Stadium as the Readypower Panthers battled to a 45-45 deadlock with second-placed Sheffield to extend their lead at the top of the standings.
Kurtz was the stand-out individual performer while Panthers were also helped by another super shift at reserve from Simon Lambert, who piled up a dozen points of his own.
Panthers held the lead on several occasions and only briefly trailed during a fine spectacle which ended with the spoils shared – an outcome that earned Sheffield one league point and Panthers two.
Team boss Johnson said: "It was a very good meeting and we are very pleased to keep our unbeaten run going.
"We're unlucky not to come away with another victory in all truth, but we are three points clear at the top of the table with three meetings in hand on our closest challengers.
"It is difficult to be disappointed in a position like that."
Panthers were hit hard by the absence of teenage star Robert Lambert due to illness. His rides only produced five points while a series of retirements also hurt them.
Ollie Greenwood suffered a broken chain when holding third spot in heat nine and skipper Ulrich Ostergaard retired from the same position in heat 15 with ignition trouble.
Lewis Blackbird also packed up after being forced to the back in a no holds barred penultimate race as home duo Jason Garrity and Josh Bates claimed a 5-1 to pull their side level.
And that's the way it stayed after Kurtz completed his flawless shift in the finale to bring the curtain down on a fine meeting.
Johnson added: "A few things went against us and the absence of young Robert certainly didn't help either.
"I would have fancied him to get double-figures round a track that would have suited him down to the ground."
Panthers are now out of action until Bank Holiday Monday, May 25 when they entertain Plymouth in the opening leg of a KO Cup tie at the East of England Showground.
They are not back in league action until later that week when hosting Berwick on Friday, May 29.
SCORES
SHEFFIELD 45: Jason Garrity 12+1, Craig Cook (guest) 11+2, Andre Compton 10, Josh Bates 5+1, Arthur Sissis 4, Ashley Birks 3, Rider replacement for Ty Proctor.
READYPOWER PANTHERS 45: Brady Kurtz (guest) 15, Simon Lambert 12, Ulrich Ostergaard 9+2, Lewis Blackbird 5+3, Michael Palm Toft 3+1, Oliver Greenwood 1+1, Rider replacement for Robert Lambert.
