Freeland have hit out strongly at the decision of the Oxfordshire Cricket Association to scrap the Osberton Radiators Cup and asked them to reverse the move.

The club's 2nd XI should have been playing in the final at Uffington on Saturday.

The decision to abandoned the competition was made following weeks of controversy over a decision to reinstate East Oxford 2nd.

East Oxford were initially booted out after being found guilty of fielding two ineligible players, but were reinstated on appeal, following allegations of racial discrimination.

The decision threw the competition into chaos, as Marcham, East Oxford's quarter-final opponents, subsequently appealed.

The scheduled semi-final between Minster Lovell 2nd and East Oxford 2nd was postponed twice, before it was agreed that this year's competition should be cancelled.

Freeland secertary Rob Panting (pictured) said: "The club is very disappointed.

"All the players in the 2nd XI are desperately disappointed to have the opportunity of playing in an OCA final taken away from them, particularly as we have effectively been punished for playing within the league's guidelines.

""Whether it would have resulted in a victory or not, playing in the final would have been the highlight of the second XI's season. To see it scrapped after enjoying such a wonderful cup run really does leave a very bitter taste in the mouth."

The OCA have received a letter from barrister John Botros calling for the league to reverse their decision.

After questioning the league's procedures under their own rules, Botros, a friend of Freeland 2nd XI captain says: "You have now, for reasons I cannot understand, declared the competition scrapped, leaving Freeland high and dry when they are blameless and have abided meticulously by the rules. This is not fair or right."

"There are still six weeks of the season left so the teams can make time if they want to play for the cup.

"If Marcham are entitled to appeal that appeal must be heard, preferably immediately. You will give a final decision using not only 36(a) and 36(b) but also the general power contained in 33.

"If Marcham win they can play Minster Lovell for the right to meet Freeland. If East Oxford win Minster Lovell must play them or withdraw, leaving Freeland to meet East Oxford for the cup.

"If the appeal is delayed the final should go ahead between East Oxford (assuming Minster Lovell decline to play) and Freeland.

"In the event that East Oxford win and are later disqualified on appeal they will be stripped of the cup which passes to Freeland.

"If Freeland win the matter is at an end. If you do not follow this course of action then I believe in addition to breaches by the teams you will yourself be in breach of your own rules which would not be an ideal situation.

Peter Baring, the OCA's cup competitions secretary, had sympathy for Freeland's position.

He said: "They have written to us in reasonable terms, making several suggestions. However, we are not entirely certain of the best way forward. Whatever we do will be wrong."