BOSS Peter Adams says he was encouraged by Wolverhampton’s opening performance - despite losing out in a dramatic last gasp finish.
Parrys International Wolves were forced to settle for a consolation point from their Premiership Supporters’ Cup trip to Peterborough, eventually missing out 46-44.
But at one point it looked like they would be leaving empty handed as they provided just three of the first eight race winners leaving them 12-points behind the Panthers.
Wolves fought back though and a hat-trick of 5-1 maximums took it to a last heat decider.
Skipper Rory Schlein made the gate but with team-mate Kyle Howarth trapped at the back, a draw was on the cards.
That was until Peterborough No.1 Rohan Tungate gradually reeled in Schlein before pipping his Aussie compatriot on the run to the line with a match winning cut-back off bend four.
But nevertheless boss Adams feels there’s plenty to build on for his side.
“Peterborough is not a happy hunting ground for Wolverhampton,” he said.
“But I think the guys acquitted themselves extremely well once they got the track sorted out and the set-ups dialled in and I thought we were very strong in the finish.
“We would’ve expected a bit more from one or two of our riders but these are very early days and I’m suitably encouraged.
“Finally I thought it was an excellent meeting for all the supporters who turned out on a cold night and there was some really good racing too.”
Wolverhampton head to Edinburgh for a challenge fixture on Friday before launching their league campaign at home to Swindon on Monday (7.30) in a repeat of the 2017 Grand Final.
PREMIERSHIP SUPPORTERS CUP PETERBOROUGH 46: Ben Barker 9+1, Rohan Tungate 9, Charles Wright 8, Aaron Summers 8, Lasse Bjerre 7+2, Bradley Wilson-Dean 5+2, Hans Andersen 0. WOLVERHAMPTON 44: Scott Nicholls 13+1, Rory Schlein 11+1, Kyle Howarth 10, Sam Masters 6+1, Luke Becker 4, Ashley Morris 0, Nick Morris r/r. PSC points: Peterborough 3 Wolverhampton 1