Cricket chiefs will meet next month to decide the fate of Oxford CC and Horspath CC's sides in the Oxford Times Cherwell League.

The two clubs were unable to agree on which divisions they hope to play in following the de-merger of Oxford & Horspath CC, who finished last season with clubs in Divisions 2, 5, 7 and 9.

Before the merger, Horspath had attained Division 3 and 7 status, while Oxford's 2nd and 3rd XIs were due to play in Divisions 6 and 9.

Now both clubs are desperate to be handed the Division 2 slot, and will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of the league executive meeting on Monday, February 2.

League chairman Derek Primett said: "Obviously we are in unchartered waters as far as we are concerned. It is an unprecedented situation.

"In simple terms, it is a change of name for the four sides that play in our league.

"As I understand it, you are dealing with the same group of players who have split into their two original camps, and it will be up to the league executive to decide their most logical divisional status.

"We will be receiving more information on which players are to be registered for both sides, but the most logical way of dealing with the situation is to revert to the pre-merged status.

"I don't see any other course of action, but that is my personal opinion."

Meanwhile, the de-merger leaves Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts as the city's biggest club in the terms of number of teams, while Banbury will also be running four sides this season.