Quarry dream is put on hold

Quarry Nomads

Although the club, who were only saved by a last-ditch appeal in Sportsmail, have been using the council-owned Quarry Recreation ground in Headington, they would be unlikely to get planning permission to install the necessary floodlights, changing rooms, covered accommodation and hard-standing areas, to bring it up to Premier Division standard.

They had hoped to use the area in the middle of the running track at Horspath, but that plan has been vetoed - for this year at least.

Quarry match secretary Derek Beesley said: "The council told us yesterday that the idea is not an option, because it was set up using lottery money, to be specifically used for athletics.

"However, we are continuing negotiations as to where an area could be upgraded at Horspath in the future.

"We're still optimistic about one day playing in the Premier Division, if not this year, maybe next."

North Leigh, who won the Premier Division, will be staying put as their ground is not up to standard for Dr Martens League football.

Didcot Town, one of the pre-season promotion favourites, finished fifth, though they did have the consolation of winning the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy, after a 2-0 win over Milton Keynes City.

Hook Norton had a successful season, reaching the Oxfordshire Senior Cup final and finishing 12th in their first season in the top flight, just two years after winning the Oxon Senior League Premier title.

Meanwhile, in Division 1 West, where seven Oxfordshire clubs finished in the top 11, Chipping Norton Town will gain promotion to the Premier Division subject to carrying out a number of ground improvements, after they finished runners-up to Slimbridge.

One of the biggest successes was at Easington Sports. Looking destined for the drop for much of the season, climbed to finish a respectable tenth, after winning their last eight matches.

The final promotion and relegation issues are expected to be ratified by the end of next week.