Horspath CC have blasted the Oxford Times Cherwell League's decision to place their sides in Divisions 5 and 9 this season following the controversial de-merger of Oxford & Horspath CC.

The village club, who had attained Division 3 and 7 status before their merger with Oxford CC in 2001, are fuming after a league executive meeting gave Oxford CC's 2nd X the much-coveted Division 2 spot.

In a statement, the club said: "Horspath CC are ex- tremely disappointed at the perverse and unjust decision taken by the executive committee, particularly so for the players, old and new, who have supported us.

"We believed we had set out a strong case for teams in Divisions 2 and 7, not just because that was broadly where the Horspath club was prior to the merger, but because of our current playing strength.

"Although it is obviously a setback, it will only serve to increase our motivation to make Horspath CC a successful, all-embracing club."

But league secretary Peter Tomlin defended their decision, and claimed that they were right not to take into account the two clubs' pre-merged status.

Instead, he said the league had viewed Oxford and Horspath as two new clubs.

"They have not reverted to their old status," he said. "They cannot revert to it because the playing strengths are different in both clubs.

"I think what we did was the only fair way it could be done."

Oxford chairman Ian Pickford said: "We are delighted by the decision. It is a fair and considered reflection of the playing strength of Oxford CC.

"We are looking forward to a successful 2004 at all levels."