The Oxford Cheetahs continue to look for their first piece of silverware in eighteen years after finishing third in the Cab Direct Championship Pair.

Sam Masters and heat leader Lewis Kerr were hoping to secure Cheetahs’ first piece of team silverware since the club lifted the Craven Shield in 2005 on Friday (September 1) night in the pairs competition.

However, the Cheetahs were knocked out of the competition by eventual winners Glasgow Tigers in the semi-final.

In their four qualifying rides, the Cheetahs picked up maximum race advantages over Edinburgh, Poole and Berwick and an additional four points after a 5-4 reverse to Glasgow.

Although Masters won the race, the Tigers duo Chris Harris and Benjamin Basso team placed second and third.

This meant Lewis finished fourth and Cheetahs lost out 5-4 on the scoreboard.

The Tigers went on to beat Redcar in the final.

Cheetahs team manager, Peter Schroeck said: “Tonight was a fantastic advert for speedway, and the supporters on the terraces generated a real carnival atmosphere which made for a great night,” said Schroeck. “Of course, we’re gutted to miss out on making the final, but credit to Glasgow they raced hard and deserve victory.

“Team riding is the name of the game and our semi-final against Glasgow was some of the best team riding I’ve seen in some time. Sam was keeping it slow up front, and the Glasgow boys were aware of it and did well to keep Lewis out.

“It’s gutting, but we’ll move on and look forward to Scunthorpe on Tuesday which is another big fixture for us.”