The Oxfordshire Cricket Board revealed they had made a loss for the second successive year, at their annual meeting at the Hawkwell House Hotel, Oxford.

Director of finance Roger Berryman reported that after several years of modest surpluses, the Board suffered a deficit of £11,112, though this was not as large as the £21,125 loss in 2009-10.

He said: “Apart from the general pressure on costs, familiar to any businessman in the current economic climate, there are a number of specific reasons for the deficit.

“The Board incurred costs of £2,400 for legal advice and assistance in setting up the limited company.

“This was a one-off cost and was substantially lower than that suffered by other county boards going through a similar process.

“The mileage allowance for coaches, managers and players was increased from 20p per mile to 25p.

“This was a necessary, if modest, increase in view of the rising cost of motoring and although it did not fully compensate for the true cost of motoring, the cost to the Board was substantial, around £2,500 a year.

“It was decided to recruit a professional fast bowler, Chad Keegan, to give the minor county XI’s attack more of a cutting edge.

“From the playing aspect, this proved to be a success, but it did involve a cost that had not been budgeted for.”

The county’s cash balance stands at £93,000.

The meeting also saw the reappointment of directors Chris Clements (chairman), Peter O’Neill (company secretary), Berryman and Michael Geeson Brown (county welfare officer & legal affairs director).

* IAN Hawtin was reappointed Oxfordshire captain at a recent management committee meeting.

The Banbury wicket-keeper will be leading the county for an eighth successive season. * PAUL Tew, from Sandford St Martin, has succeeded Ian Caunce as captain of the Oxfordshire 50-Plus side for next season.

“It’s a great honour,” said Tew, 55, who was a member of the Oxon team that won the national title in 2008.