OXFORD & Horspath, the county's biggest cricket club, has been consigned to the scrapheap.

An emergency committee meeting of the trouble-torn Homes Counties Premier League and Oxford Times Cherwell League outfit voted under special powers in their constitution to de-merge into Oxford CC and Horspath CC.

Chairman Simon Porter has been a kingpin in the move to disband the club.

Speaking on behalf of Oxford, he said: "We are very sorry that things have come to this, but we felt that our aims and objectives (to become the top side in Oxfordshire) are best pursued as a separate club."

Max Eason, on behalf of Horspath, said: "The club was disbanded by a majority vote taken in committee without recourse to the membership.

"This was achieved by invoking a clause in the old Headington United CC constitution (under which the club operates) which effectively invested the committee with all decision-making authority on the matter.

"This probably says all that needs to be said with regard to how the club was latterly being run.

"I am personally disappointed, but am determined, along with many good people, that Horspath CC will emerge for this experience as an even stronger members-based club founded on traditional values.

"I am grateful for the messages of support that I have already received, the content of which makes me sure that we shall be warmly welcomed back by the cricketing fraternity."

Agreement was reached over the distribution of clubs funds, but the Cherwell League will be asked to decide which divisions the two clubs' sides play in.

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