OXFORD OBU have missed out on the chance of promotion after the South Hockey League announced their final league placings.

The competition was halted by coronavirus in March, with many sections only having one fixture remaining.

But England Hockey’s decision to write off the end of the campaign has filtered down through the pyramid.

It saw the South League, which were the last main competition affecting Oxfordshire clubs to make a decision, opt to scrap the play-offs, ensuring just one team from each division is promoted.

“Any decision on how to close the season was necessarily dependent upon decisions by England Hockey and the National League which have a direct impact upon us,” a league statement read.

“A prime conclusion is that there will be no more hockey relating to the past season.

“This necessarily extends to any previously scheduled play-offs which will not now take place and consequently no additional promotions will follow.

“This will disappoint some teams who looked for a chance to gain promotion.”

It has the biggest impact on Oxford, who were second in Premier Division 2 West.

While goal difference meant they had no realistic hope of overtaking Surbiton 2nd, who were three points ahead, they were in pole position to claim the play-off place.

That has now been removed, so they will line up in the same division next season.

Elsewhere, Oxford University already knew they were fifth in the Premier Division, while Oxford Hawks 2nd and Witney were confirmed in fourth and fifth place respectively in MBBO Regional 1.

As with the England Hockey League, the South League are intending to start the 2020/21 campaign on schedule, but will continue to monitor the situation with the pandemic.