Oxfordshire clubs are rallying round to help crisis club Banbury Bulls, whose very future is in doubt.

The Banbury club fear they could be left homeless after Banbury Recreational Facilities Ltd, a charitable trust set up to run their Bodicote Park ground, went into voluntary liquidation at the start of this month.

The trustees owed £100,000 in unpaid business rates to Cherwell District Council and now the Charity Commission have appointed an administrator to investigate the affairs of the trust.

Bulls can continue to play at the ground until the end of the month, but the bar and club shop remain closed.

"It's the uncertainty that's the problem," said John Smith, a past president of Banbury RFC, with whom he has been associated for more than 50 years.

"Our whole future hangs on the administrators' report," he said. "We hope the Charity Commission will show a little bit of charity to the rugby club, which in itself is solvent."

Smith was full of praise for other clubs in the county for their support.

"Chipping Norton have offered the use of their pitches for both training and playing, while other clubs have been helpful," added Smith.

Banbury are even unable to sell crisps and soft drinks to hundreds of young players, who use the ground on Sunday mornings.

"It's a highly complex situation, but the advice of the trustees is that no commercial trading takes place," explained Grahame Handley, the chief executive of Cherwell District Council.

"Not selling crisps to youngsters might sound a bit harsh. But if that is the advice, it's better to be prudent and sensible at this awkward time."

Since the closure of the bar, Banbury's first team have not had a game at the impressive Bodicote Park ground, which was opened in 1995 to much acclaim.

The Midlands 1 League game against Luctonians on January 5 was frozen off, while their next scheduled home match is against Leicester Lions on Saturday week.

At present Banbury, who had hopes a few years ago of reaching National League status, are bottom of the table.

"The whole situation is unsettling for them, as it is for all our members," said Smith.

John Colgrave, who is both a town councillor and a trustee, said: "The trustees are out of their depth and I hope the administrator can bring some technical expertis to find a way forward.

"I hope whatever happens, that sport will be played on the site. "It would be a tragedy to lose the grounds."

Every sports lover in Oxfordshire would say "amen" to that.