OXFORD Cavaliers moved clear at the top of the West of England League table – despite not even playing a game.

Their clash against the league’s second-placed team, Gloucestershire Warriors, did not take place after the visitors disappointingly could muster just eight players.

It means that Cavaliers were awarded a 24-0 win and two points, while their opponents were deducted two.

And having been level on points before the match, the Oxford team have gone clear at the top with only two games left before the play-offs take place.

Both teams made sure that the day was not wasted, however, mixing the eight Warriors players who had travelled with the Cavaliers squad in friendly games.

The four-quarter match saw the visiting players rotated throughout, with Cavaliers making the most of the opportunity to try new combinations.

The real bonus was that their full squad were all able to get some game time under their belts – something that would not have happened had Warriors travelled with a full contingent.

It is understood that a fall-out at the Gloucester club led to several players not being available, while others declined the opportunity to play to instead watch the deciding Test of the British & Irish Lions tour.

Cavaliers travel to Somerset Vikings next weekend, where they could clinch top spot.

However, they will have to be in top form with Somerset thrashing Bristol at the weekend – the same side that defeated Cavaliers just seven days earlier.

The league is very tight with just two points separating the leading four teams.

But Cavaliers lead the way and know a win over the Vikings will mean they cannot be caught.