The Oxfordshire Cricket Board have offered an apology to Aston Rowant CC, following an article in the Oxford Mail.

The story (June 5) stated that Oxfordshire had switched their three-day Minor Counties Championship match against Herefordshire to Banbury – and other youth games had been moved – because Aston Rowant’s ground hire charges of £150 per day were too high.

OCB secretary Pete O’Neill accused Rowant of pricing themselves out of the market.

In a statement on their website, OCB chairman Chris Clements said: “On behalf of the OCB, I would to unreservedly apologise for the comments made about Aston Rowant CC that have appeared in the Oxford Mail.

“Yes, there was a cost problem with using the facility, but that problem was between the club and the Board.

“Aston Rowant are a highly valued member of our cricketing community – a community we are trying to build, not destroy.

“They are a focus club with an excellent youth section and they have been excellent hosts to the OCB at all levels of the game.

“Hopefully, we can sort out the financial debate and normal service will resume shortly.

“It was also very disappointing to see so many negative comments attached to the article.

“Clearly there are some uninformed views in existence, particularly on Board finances.

“My contact details are in the public domain and should anyone want to develop a more informed view then please ask.”