The four clubs who refused to back a vote of confidence in The Oxford Times Cherwell Cricket League's executive committee could face expulsion from the league.

o The vote came after league chiefs took the unprecedented step of suspending themselves at an emergency meeting last month.

The four clubs to vote against supporting the league were Kidlington, Wallingford, Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts and Shipton-under- Wychwood.

When originally announcing the vote of confidence, league chairman Derek Primett warned that if the executive did not receive the support of all 40 clubs by the deadline of last Friday, then they would resign en bloc.

The only way the executive would remain in power if any clubs should revolt, would be if the clubs in question agreed to resign.

In a letter giving the result of the vote, Primett said: "The result is 90 per cent vote in favour 36 clubs in support and four against. This narrowly falls short of the full support asked for.

"The four clubs are Kidlington, Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts, Shipton-under-Wychwood and Wallingford all clubs bearing a grudge over disciplinary matters.

"The executive have a meeting arranged for Monday, July 24 at which they will discuss what action to take.

"In the meantime, member clubs have it within their own hands to resolve this matter by exercising their constitutional right to call an EGM to expel the four dissident clubs from the league.

"This would have the effect of allowing the executive to retain the services of the secretary and to return to running the affairs of the Cherwell League for ALL its member clubs."

Hearing that his club may be expelled from the league, Kidlington chairman Nick Duval said: "I'm stunned we've done nothing wrong.

"We were asked to express our view, and did just that as one club in 40.

"We don't believe what the committee are doing is right.

"I understand from the league statement, that the committee haven't resigned yet, which they said they would.

"They seem to be backing down on what they said."

The one surprise so-called 'rebel' club are Shipton-under-Wychwood, who play in Division 1.

Shipton chairman Geoff Miles was unavailable for comment.

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